Fresh Chickpeas

What Is Fresh Chickpea?

Fresh chickpea is the not-yet-dried, green form of the chickpea plant (Cicer arietinum). The green seeds, each held inside a small, fuzzy pod containing one or two seeds, are the spring form of the chickpea before it dries.

It is harvested in fields in spring and early summer; fresh and green, it is snacked on raw or lightly boiled, like a treat. Compared to dried chickpeas, it is softer, slightly sweeter, and has a taste reminiscent of peas.

Nutritional Value of Fresh Chickpea

As a legume, fresh chickpea is rich in protein and fiber; 100 grams of raw seeds contain about 139 kcal of energy. Since its water content is higher than dried chickpeas, its calories are relatively lower. Values specific to the fresh form are approximate.

What Are the Benefits of Fresh Chickpea?

With its plant protein, fiber, and mineral content, fresh chickpea can be considered part of a balanced diet; legumes are known as a filling and nutritious group.

This information is general; fresh chickpea is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Fresh Chickpea?

Fresh chickpea has pods that are vivid green, firm, and plump; yellowed, dried, or spotted pods have lost their freshness. The seeds inside the pod should be green and crisp.

• Pods should be vivid green, firm, and plump
• Seeds inside should be green, crisp, and not yellowed
• Dried, spotted, and yellowed pods should be discarded

How to Store Fresh Chickpea?

Fresh chickpea in its pod keeps for a few days in the refrigerator; since it has a short shelf life, it should be consumed quickly. For long storage, the seeds are shelled and frozen.

Using Fresh Chickpea in the Kitchen

Fresh chickpea is most often eaten raw as a snack; it is also lightly boiled and added to salads, olive-oil dishes, and pilafs. It is a fresh legume that can be used like peas.

How Is Fresh Chickpea Shelled?

The fuzzy green pods are opened with the fingers and the one or two seeds inside are removed; the seeds are washed and used raw or boiled.

Is Fresh Chickpea Boiled?

Yes; the seeds can be lightly boiled for a few minutes and used in salads and olive-oil dishes, though eating them raw while fresh and green is also common.

Which Recipes Use Fresh Chickpea?

Raw fresh chickpea snacking, fresh chickpea salad, olive-oil fresh chickpea, and pilaf are its best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fresh chickpea eaten raw?

Yes; while fresh and green, its seeds are eaten raw like a treat. This is a common spring snacking habit.

Are fresh chickpea and dried chickpea the same?

They are the same plant; fresh chickpea is its not-yet-dried green form, while dried chickpea is the mature, dried form. Their taste and use differ.

When does fresh chickpea appear?

It is harvested from fields in spring and early summer, while the chickpea plant is still green, and sold in its pod at markets.

Does fresh chickpea resemble peas?

Its taste is reminiscent of peas; both are fresh legumes, though fresh chickpea has a slightly starchier, plumper texture.

Is fresh chickpea frozen?

Yes; shelled seeds can be washed and frozen for storage, then later used in salads and dishes.