Today we’re celebrating World Pulses Day! Why Pulses?

Pulses are the edible mature dried seeds of leguminous plants such as beans, peas, chickpeas and lentils. Beyond being delicious, affordable and nutritious, pulses are play an important role in sustainable farming adding nitrogen to the soil and attracting pollinators.

FoodWise is part of the Northern Pulses Collaboration, a group that’s looking at growing, cooking and eating more pulse crops across the region. We recently took a trip to Hodmedods in Suffolk to deepen our learning and to look at how we can encourage the growing and eating of more pulses in the North.  To learn more about our trip, see Northern England has its finger on the pulse!

In Leeds we’re on a mission to discover the heritage of growing and eating pulses, think fish and chips with a side of mushy peas, and the more recent additions to our menus such as dhal and hummus. We want to celebrate pulses and encourage people to eat more, especially those that can be grown in England.

Tonight, I’ll be having UK grown fava bean stew to celebrate World Pulses Day.  Tell us about your favourite pulses – share a recipe and a story. #lovepulses