Are Organic Chickpeas Better?

“Organic” refers to natural methods by which agricultural products are grown, processed, and prepared. Organic crops must be grown in the US without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or using genetically modified genes (GMOs).

Meat, eggs and dairy products from organically farmed animals must be raised in environments that respect their natural behavior and habitat. It is also forbidden to feed antibiotics, growth hormones or any other animal by-products in any form.

Chickpeas and their use

Chickpeas, like other edible legumes, are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals, and they can be used in a wide variety of dishes, including curries and hummus.

For vegans and vegetarians, chickpeas are a prime source of protein. Fiber, natural protein, and vitamins and minerals such as iron abound in this nutrient-dense diet.

tasty dish with organic chickpeas

Organic vs. non-organic chickpeas

What you eat can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being and the environment, depending on how it is produced and/or farmed. Regardless of whether they are conventionally or organically grown, chickpeas are rich in vegetable protein and contain numerous nutrients, making them a suitable source of protein not only for vegetarians and vegans. But you can eat all of them without hesitation, regardless of the cultivation method.

Non-organic chickpeas

Would you say that there is no difference between organic and non-organic food? Think again. Studies show, that not all conventionally grown chickpeas can always be consumed without hesitation. Laboratory tests have found residues of glyphosate and other pesticides in some. The non-organic chickpeas may contain calcium chloride (a firming agent) and disodium EDTA (a color-retaining agent) added to them. The additional chemicals can enter your body and bio-accumulate.

Organic chickpeas

By definition, organic vegetables may only be grown using natural farming methods without artificial chemicals. That is of course nice to know that chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, have grown naturally and without chemicals.  Organic vegetables may not look as perfect and all the same as non-organic products, you can be sure that no insecticides, pesticides, or fungicides have been used and their residues could end up on your plate.

Organically grown food is also said to be tastier and has more vitamins and important nutrients. However, further research is needed to prove this.

Benefits of using organic chickpeas

  • No pesticides

Pesticides are less prevalent in organically produced chickpeas. Remaining residues of synthetic fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides can be found on the skin and inside the food, we eat from non-organic agriculture.

  • No preservatives

The lack of preservatives in organic chickpeas allows them to stay fresher for longer. Smaller farms closer to the point of sale are sometimes (but not always) the source of organically produced chickpeas.

  • Beneficial for the environment

The environment benefits more from organic chickpea production. Reduce pollutants, conserve water, decrease soil erosion and boost the fertility of the soil by using organic practices. People and wildlife living near farms benefit from the organic production system as well, as do the birds and other animals that reside nearby.

  • No growth enhancers

Organically produced chickpeas do not get growth hormones or other such chemicals.

  • No genetic modifications

GMOs are absent from organic chickpeas. Genetically engineered (GE) foods are plants that have had their DNA altered artificially in ways that cannot occur naturally or through traditional crossbreeding, most typically to be resistant to pesticides or to produce an insecticide.

So, do chickpeas need to be organic?

When it comes to using organic chickpeas then you can eat them without having to worry about toxic residues in them. You can roast them with warming spices and eat them as an on-the-go, nutritious snack. In addition to hummus and falafels, chickpeas can be utilized as a great source of protein in salads. If they are from a certified organic farmer and are also processed organically then there shouldn’t be anything in them that doesn’t belong there. Only water and sea salt are added to the organic varieties when canned.

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