World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day History

World Pulses Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of pulses as a global food source. Pulses, such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas, are a significant part of sustainable food production since they foster farmland productivity and increase biodiversity. It also strives to boost public understanding of the nutritional benefits of pulses for human health and encourages their consumption worldwide. Considering their high protein content and their role in managing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, pulses are deemed 'superfoods'.

World Pulses Day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 following the successful International Year of Pulses in 2016. For South Africans, the recognition of this day holds special importance since pulses play a significant role in the country's agricultural sector both as a food crop and for soil fertility. Furthermore, in the context of South Africa's high rate of nutrition-related diseases, consumption of pulses due to their high protein content and minimal fat can provide healthier dietary options.

In South Africa, World Pulses Day is observed through various activities purposed to encourage the consumption of pulses. These include the creation of local recipes integrating pulses, agricultural fairs, and workshops on sustainable farming techniques. The observance seeks to address food and nutritional security challenges and promote pulses as a viable source of livelihood for farmers. World Pulses Day is celebrated annually on February 10, driving participation from the public, private sectors, and relevant stakeholders, to create an enabling environment for those involved in pulse production.

Facts about World Pulses Day

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN recognizes 11 different types of pulses: dry beans, dry broad beans, dry peas, chickpeas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, Bambara beans, vetches, lupins, and pulses nes (not elsewhere specified).
• According to pulses.org, the first evidence of pulses dates back 11,000 years ago to the Fertile Crescent. This is a region in the Middle East that was home to early human civilizations.
• Pulses with the most protein per 1/2 cup are:
  1) Great Norther Beans - 9.7 grams
  2) Lentils - 9 grams
  3) Split Peas - 8.2 grams
  4) Black Beans - 7.6 grams
• As a low-cost and nutrient-dense food source, pulses play a significant role in contributing to food security in South Africa. They help to minimize the risk of malnutrition, particularly among children and other vulnerable populations.
• South Africa exports some of its pulse crops, such as groundnuts, mainly to the European Union and countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Pulses Day

Top things to do in South Africa for World Pulses Day

• Learn more about pulses and their benefits with an educational video by the FAO.
• Learn about the Global Pulse Confederation, a not for profit hoping to create an inclusive global pulse organization.
• Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School: World Pultries Day brings interesting cooking competitions and classes in these culinary schools, educating people on how to make delicious dishes using pulses.
• Prepare a traditional dish such as Bunny Chow: A popular fast food dish that originated among Indian South Africans, Bunny Chow commonly uses pulses such as chickpeas or lentils. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry.