{"id":14751,"date":"2026-01-17T22:45:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T22:45:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/pulses-a-superfood-for-our-health-and-the-planet\/"},"modified":"2026-03-22T17:00:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T17:00:25","slug":"pulses-a-superfood-for-our-health-and-the-planet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/pulses-a-superfood-for-our-health-and-the-planet\/","title":{"rendered":"PULSES: a superfood for our HEALTH and the PLANET"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Edible legume seeds belonging to the order of\u00a0Fabales<\/em>, pulses can be traced back to countries of the Mediterranean basin, America and the Far East. Called the \u201cpoor man\u2019s meat\u201d in the period immediately following the Second World War when meat, dairy products and all such \u201cproducts of wellbeing\u201d were more popular, pulses have been\u00a0re-evaluated in recent times<\/strong>. This coincides with the reassessment of animal proteins in our diet and the increase in vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.<\/p>\n

Versatile<\/strong>,\u00a0healthy and economic<\/strong>, pulses have become a real \u201csuperfood\u201d in the last few years, thanks to their innate tendency to\u00a0combine taste and health properties<\/strong>\u00a0which have led to them becoming increasingly popular also in Italy.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Types of pulses and how they are eaten<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The best-known pulses are:\u00a0beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, fava beans, soybeans, lupin beans and peanuts<\/strong>. A food that is sold in a variety of forms: while\u00a0fresh pulses<\/strong>\u00a0are easily available from fruit and veg market stalls during the appropriate seasons (beans, lentils and chickpeas in summer, fava beans and peas at the end of spring), it is also possible to buy\u00a0tinned pulses<\/strong>, preserved in brining liquid and\u00a0steamed pulses<\/strong>\u00a0without liquid. If preserved in an optimal manner even at room temperature, dried pulses, when properly desiccated, maintain their nutritional qualities even if (apart from lentils) they need to be soaked in cold water for an extended period of time before cooking.<\/p>\n

Thanks to their content of\u00a0iron<\/strong>,\u00a0copper<\/strong>,\u00a0B group vitamins<\/strong>,\u00a0magnesium<\/strong>,\u00a0zinc<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0phosphorus<\/strong>, as well as\u00a0fibre<\/strong>,\u00a0protein<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0carbohydrates<\/strong>, pulses have earned recognition with\u00a0World Pulses Day<\/strong>\u00a0as established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)1<\/sup>\u00a0to underline their dual contribution:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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to health<\/strong>, as a\u00a0valid alternative to over-reliance on animal protein<\/strong>\u00a0which is considered harmful to humans;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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for the planet<\/strong>, thanks to the important role that legume plants play in protecting soil fertility, due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and transfer it to the ground, reducing the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.2<\/sup><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Pulses: an increase in sales<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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According to figures published by\u00a0IRI ITALIA\u00a0<\/strong>(a data analytics and market research company) and analysed by\u00a0Pedon S.p.A.\u00a0<\/strong>the aforementioned preferences brought about an\u00a0increase of 9% in pulse sales in 2021 alone<\/strong>\u00a0as compared with\u00a02019<\/strong>\u00a0(i.e., the most recent non-pandemic era, when pulse sales reached +20%). Among the reasons for customers\u2019 increased preference for pulses is the growing\u00a0predilection<\/strong>\u00a0for plant-based protein foods<\/strong>\u00a0and the rising demand for gluten-free products due to the higher number of coeliacs but also the increased awareness of their\u00a0beneficial properties for our health<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Everyone\u2019s crazy for lentils<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A particularly strong source of energy, as well as being an ancient symbol of economic prosperity,\u00a0lentils<\/strong>\u00a0(together with chickpeas)\u00a0constitute half of all pulses sold in Italy<\/strong>, with a\u00a012% increase in sales in 2021<\/strong>\u00a0as compared to\u00a02019\u00a0<\/strong>(pre-Covid era). Among the first legumes grown by humans, they have maintained their importance in our diet over time, thanks to their\u00a0protein content<\/strong>\u00a0and possible pairings in dishes with grains. A traditional food at Christmas and New Year, lentils are one of the tastiest and most versatile pulses and can be cooked in hundreds of ways.\u00a0An excellent source of plant-based protein<\/strong>,\u00a0\u201cvegan\u201d iron\u00a0<\/strong>(from plant-based sources as opposed to animal origin),\u00a0fibre and complex carbohydrates<\/strong>, legumes disprove the\u00a0urban myth that they are unfavourable to diets<\/strong>\u00a0with a\u00a0low-calorie content<\/strong>\u00a0(80 kcal per 100 grams), as they contain a lot of water. Thanks to their practicality, boiled, ready to eat\u00a0lentils\u00a0<\/strong>are in fact also the best-loved pulses by consumers.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Chickpeas are delicious<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Making a real comeback, thanks to the success of the Middle Eastern speciality hummus (today a very popular starter also in western cooking), chickpeas are a\u00a0well-known pulse in Mediterranean cuisine<\/strong>, used in many recipes and served in a variety of ways, also for several quick and easy dishes. Available in different varieties (from the\u00a0small<\/strong>,\u00a0light-coloured Valdarno chickpea<\/strong>\u00a0to the\u00a0darker Cicerale<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0black Murgia chickpeas<\/strong>), these are essential ingredients for Tunisian\u00a0falafel\u00a0<\/em>and Ligurian\u00a0farinate\u00a0<\/em>as well as fresh salads, perfect for a light lunch. In addition to being excellent\u00a0sources of plant-based protein,\u00a0<\/strong>fibre and vitamins (especially B group), as well as\u00a0magnesium and phosphorous<\/strong>, they contain\u00a0saponins<\/strong>, substances that reduce triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, and a significant quantity of\u00a0Omega-3 fatty acids<\/strong>, which make them good for the heart.3<\/sup><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Pairing up pulses<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Among the possible delicious combinations, from a nutritional point of view, the pairing of\u00a0pulses and grains<\/strong>\u00a0represents one of the best as it supplies\u00a0high quality protein<\/strong>\u00a0and offers a healthy alternative to excessive animal protein consumption as well as being an option for those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets.<\/p>\n

A complete and nutritious meal, mixes of pulses and grains allow you to\u00a0integrate the plant-based protein of pulses with all the amino acids that our bodies need<\/strong>, making up for any lack of amino acids caused by the consumption of pulses alone, and guaranteeing a nutritional value similar to that from an animal protein diet.4<\/sup><\/p>\n

Being a highly versatile food, pulses can be\u00a0eaten in a variety of ways<\/strong>. Excellent as a\u00a0side dish for main meals<\/strong>\u00a0of potatoes, vegetables, meat or fish, in summer they are popular in\u00a0fresh salad<\/strong>; used in the preparation of delicious treats like\u00a0hummus<\/strong>,\u00a0veggie meatballs<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0veggie burgers<\/strong>, they can also be added to\u00a0winter soups\u00a0<\/strong>together with grains, or eaten as\u00a0snacks<\/strong>\u00a0(such as roasted chickpeas).<\/p>\n

Among the tastiest summer recipes<\/strong>\u00a0using pulses, there are the extra-fresh\u00a0hummus with cannellini beans, capers and mint<\/strong>, the acclaimed\u00a0chickpea patties<\/strong><\/a><\/span>\u00a0or popular\u00a0lukewarm salad with edamame beans and chicken<\/strong>. Among the healthiest options inspired by pairing pulses with grains, we find winter comfort foods:\u00a0soup made with grains and pulses, asparagus and pork belly<\/strong><\/a><\/span>\u00a0or\u00a0soup made with grains and pulses with champignon mushrooms and rosemary-infused olive oil<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

At\u00a0Pedon, pulses\u00a0<\/strong>have always been a feather in our cap and are offered in both our\u00a0quick-cook<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0ready-made lines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Whether you prefer them alone, mixed with grains, or paired with delicous veggies, the pulse section of our\u00a0I Pronti<\/strong>\u00a0range has won prestigous place in our product lines. We have\u00a0naturally steamed\u00a0<\/strong>them for you, with a drizzle of olive oil, to ensure they preserve all their valuable nutritional benefits and still respond fully to the\u00a0practical<\/strong>\u00a0demands of hectic everyday life. Ideal for anyone who has little time to spare but still wants to enjoy good food, these are excellent in salads or soups. Available in the versions\u00a0Pulses<\/strong>\u00a0(including Chickpeas, Lentils and Mixed Pulses),<\/em>\u00a0Mixes\u00a0<\/strong>(with delicious\u00a0Sorghum, Chickpeas<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Lentils and Ancient Grains<\/em>) and\u00a0Mixes with Vegetables\u00a0<\/strong>(high-energy\u00a0Quinoa and Peas<\/em>, with Corn and Carrot, and\u00a0Spelt and Beans with Peas and Carrots<\/em>), they represent some of the most practical, healthy and delicious solutions around for mealtime.<\/p>\n

Our commitment to transforming traditional raw materials, like pulses and grains, has allowed us to find modern ready-to-eat solutions that are both simple and delicious, like our\u00a0Legumes Made as Snacks<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, a new range of products that makes pulse consumption even easier in everyday life. A way of consuming pulses that is also\u00a0fun and tasty<\/strong>, ideal as a starter\/aperitif or as a quick snack, for a complete and satisfying between-meals solution that is\u00a0high in taste and protein<\/strong>. These items are oven-roasted not fried, gluten-free, preservative-free, without added sugars, and our customers can choose from three clusters: the\u00a0Natural<\/strong>\u00a0range, pulses in their natural state that may also be accompanied by seeds (such as the \u201cultra-yellow\u201d\u00a0Fava beans, Chickpeas and Lentils<\/em>\u00a0and the super-green\u00a0Edamame beans<\/em>\u00a0; the\u00a0Flavourful<\/strong>\u00a0range, seasoned with natural spices (such as the bold\u00a0Lentils with Chili Pepper<\/em>\u00a0and the extraordinary Rosemary Chickpeas); the\u00a0Functional<\/strong>\u00a0range, cleverly combined with dried fruit or vegetables (like the super-fun Green Peas and Chickpeas with Red Onion and Chickpeas and Lentils with Pumpkin Seeds and Cranberries). An ideal solution for those always on the move who need to re-energise with something\u00a0light and tasty<\/strong>: whether at school, work, the gym or during leisure time.<\/p>\n

To round off our contribution to an enjoyable and healthy lifestyle, we offer the special\u00a0Pedina Lentils<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, a variety originating from volcanic regions which maintains a truly amazing consistency during cooking. This product is also part of a charitable initiative, perfectly in keeping with the policy of the\u00a0Pedon company<\/strong>\u00a0to assist those in need: the Pedina Lentils product supports\u00a0Banco Alimentare<\/strong>, the food bank network that has distributed excess food products to the needy for the last 30 years.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Bibliography<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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1)\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cWorld Pulse Day\u201d, ISPRA \u2013 Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), Source\u00a0isprambiente.gov.it<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

2)\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cI legumi da granella\u201d (Grain Legumes), 2016 International Year of Pulses \u2013 Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies<\/p>\n

3)<\/strong>\u00a0IRCSS \u2013 Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Source\u00a0humanitas.it<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

4)\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cCosa abbinare ai legumi per ottenere un pasto completo\u201d (What to pair with pulses for a complete and balanced meal), Fernanda Lisa Scala. Nutritional Biologist, Source\u00a0mangiapositivo.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Edible legume seeds belonging to the order of\u00a0Fabales, pulses can be traced back to countries of the Mediterranean basin, America and the Far East. Called the \u201cpoor man\u2019s meat\u201d in the period immediately following the Second World War when meat, dairy products and all such \u201cproducts of wellbeing\u201d were more popular, pulses have been\u00a0re-evaluated in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14750,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[106],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-who-we-are-and-where-we-come-from"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14751","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14751"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14751\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14798,"href":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14751\/revisions\/14798"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14750"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pedon.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}