What is the scientific name of the chickpea plant?
The scientific name of the chickpea plant is Cicer arietinum. This species belongs to the family Fabaceae and is known for its tan, edible seeds.
Questions about Chickpea
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When were chickpeas first domesticated by humans?
Archaeological evidence from Tell El-Kerkh in modern-day Syria reveals traces of cultivated chickpeas dating back to the 8th millennium BCE. This makes the chickpea one of the very first crops to be domesticated by human hands.
Where did the word chickpea originate from?
The name chickpea comes from the Latin word cicer, which was coined by the Roman writer Pliny the Elder to describe the seed's ram-like shape. The connection to the animal predates Latin by millennia, appearing in the ancient Greek word krikos and the Old Prussian word cicer.
Which country produces the most chickpeas in the world?
India accounts for 75% of global chickpea production in 2023. Australia has emerged as a major secondary producer of the crop.
What are the nutritional values of cooked chickpeas?
Cooked chickpeas contain 60% water, 27% carbohydrates, 9% protein, and 3% fat, supplying 164 calories per 100 grams. They are a rich source of folate, providing 43% of the Daily Value, and manganese, providing 45% of the Daily Value.
How does drought stress affect the growth of chickpeas?
Drought stress has a strong effect on the growth of the plant, with trials showing that Cicer arietinum differs from other plant species in its capacity to assimilate mineral nitrogen supply from the soil during drought stress. The plant is native to the dry Middle-Eastern region where it is most commonly cultivated.