Beans & Pulses

Your questions answered about all things legumes, beans and pulses.

What’s the difference between beans, pulses, and legumes?

Legumes, beans and pulses are often used interchangeably however they are actually quite different. Legume is a flowering plant from the Fabaceae family and it includes its leaves, stems and pods. The pulse is the dry, edible seed within the pod of that plant.
Some common legumes are peanuts and soy. Yes, peanuts! They’re actually a legume, not a nut, despite their name.
The most common varieties of pulses in Australia include beans, lentils, split peas and chickpeas.

What are the health benefits of beans and pulses?

There are so many health benefits to beans and pulses. As they’re high in protein, beans and pulses are a delicious alternative to meat.
They’re low in fat, high in dietary fibre and have antioxidants including vitamin E, selenium, phenolic acids, phytic acids, copper, zinc and manganese.
Chickpeas, broad beans and lentils have ‘saponins’ which can help lower blood cholesterol. Pulses are also gluten-free, so people with celiac disease can add them to their diet.
They are also low in energy but can help fill us up so are perfect if you’re watching your weight.

Pulses have distinct health benefits apart from other legumes. Unlike legumes like peanuts and soy, for example, pulses are low in fat and very high in protein and fiber.

How do you store bulk pulses and organic beans?

If you’re buying bulk organic beans online, you need to store them correctly. Organic products aren’t fumigated or treated for pests, so it’s best to store them in sealed containers in a pantry or cupboard where pests can’t get to them.

 What are the best ways to eat beans and pulses?

There are so many delicious recipes featuring beans and pulses. Some of our favourite ways to eat them are in soups (we’ve got this amazing organic soup mix), Indian curries like Urad Dhal, Black Beans for Burritos and Brazilian dishes and dips such as chickpea hummus.
Lentils make wonderful patties like this red lentil and black sesame burger mix. And who doesn’t love some spicy kidney bean nachos?

Check out some of our other favourite recipes.