The History of Chickpeas

Chickpeas have been around for over 10,000 years and are native to the Middle East. In fact, archeologists have found the remains of chickpea seeds in Syria and Turkey that date back to around 7000 B.C. Through trade, chickpeas eventually spread from the Middle East to the Mediterranean and were soon being cultivated throughout the region. Over the years, they also spread to other areas, such as the Indian subcontinent. The legumes quickly became a staple in these areas and remain a key part of many cuisines today. In fact, chickpeas are the second most commonly grown pulses on Earth (soybeans take the top spot). Today, chickpeas are enjoyed in many countries all over the world, including the United States.