The Middle East is the "spiritual" home of pulses: where chickpeas, lentils, peas and beans feature prominently in Arabic cuisine. What many people do not know is that Canada has become one of the world's largest producers and exporters of pulse crops, supplying more than 150 countries around the world.
Canada's pulse industry is also at the forefront of research and development, seeking new use opportunities for whole pulses and their flours and fractions including protein, fibre and starch components. One area of significant potential is increasing pulse use in processed food applications to create healthier, more environmentally friendly food products.
In addition to traditional uses for pulses like soups, curries and hummus, pulses can also be added to processed meats, frozen prepared meals and salads for a nutrition boost, and to baked goods, snacks, beverages and dairy products to enhance their functionality and nutrition.
The health benefits of pulses are well documented, and with one in five people in the UAE alone suffering from diabetes and obesity, finding new ways to include pulses in your diet can be very beneficial. Pulse are:
- High in fibre and protein, and low in fat and sodium
- A rich source of vitamins and minerals that assist in normal growth, energy metabolism, and red blood and tissue formation
- Gluten-free and a low glycemic index (GI) food
- An excellent tool for weight control. By increasing satiety and controlling appetite, they improve heart health (by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels), and assist in weight and diabetes management
In addition to their health benefits, pulses are good for the environment and play an important role in sustainable food production systems. Pulse crops have a unique symbiotic relationship with soil micro-organisms, which allows them to make their own fertilizer from atmospheric nitrogen. By reducing the amount of commercial fertilizer needed to grow our food, pulses use half of the non-renewable energy inputs of other crops.
With the help of Pulse Canada, food manufacturers can improve their products' nutritional values by incorporating their processed food applications including noodles, pasta, bakery products (like cookies and crackers), breakfast cereals, processed meats, snack foods, ready to eat meals, and gluten-free products.
Pulse Canada is the national industry association representing Canadian producers and exporters of dry leguminous vegetables (also known as pulse crops) including peas, lentils, chickpeas and beans. Canada is the largest exporter of pulses, shipping its crops to more than 150 countries around the world.
For more information, please contact:
Courtney Hirota
Director of Marketing & Communications
1212 - 220 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 0A5
Tel (204) 925-3785
Email chirota@pulsecanada.com
Victoria Hassani
Global Market Access ME
PO Box 502616 Dubai, UAE
Tel 971 50 101 3541
Emailvictoria.hassani@gmadubai.com
www.pulsecanada.com
© Press Release 2012
