Chickpea, also known as garbanzo, is a legume (belongs to the pea family) that originates from Turkey, Syria and Iran.
Chickpeas are the most widely consumed legume in the world.
Chickpeas or garbanzo beans have 361 calories per 100g.
Chickpeas are naturally low in sodium, with only 11 milligrams in 1 cup.
Each cup of chickpeas supplies 14.5 grams of protein, or 29 percent of the daily value.
Besides being an excellent vegan and gluten-free source of protein and fiber, chickpeas also contain exceptional levels of iron, vitamin B-6 and magnesium.
Chickpea can be consumed as snack (roasted chickpeas), dip (mashed chickpeas) or as an ingredient of numerous salty and sweet dishes.
Roasted chickpeas were used as a substitute for coffee in the Europe during the 18th century and at the beginning of the 20th century (during the WWI).
Chickpea is an annual plant, which means that it completes its life cycle in one year.