Chickpeas are a protein-rich legume that are a staple in many diets around the world. Here are some characteristics of chickpeas Appearance Chickpeas are typically wrinkled or ribbed with a beak, which is the protruding seedling root tip. The seed size, shape, and color can vary Nutrition Chickpeas are high in protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and carbohydrates. A cup of chickpeas contains about half to one-fifth of a person's daily iron requirement. Culinary uses Chickpeas are a key ingredient in many dishes, including hummus in the Middle East and dal in South Asian cuisine. Plant Chickpea plants have branched stems with small, feathery leaves and flowers that can be white, pink, purple, or blue. The plants can grow up to 100 cm tall, but can sometimes reach 150 cm Growing conditions Chickpeas are mainly grown in arid and semi-arid regions during cooler seasons. They are known for their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as heat and drought. Harvesting Chickpea pods are usually harvested when they turn yellow, which is typically 90–120 days or 130–180 days after sowing. Cooking Chickpeas can be boiled, simmered, pressure cooked, or sous vide cooked. Dried chickpeas need to be cooked for a long time, but soaking them for 12–24 hours before cooking can reduce the cooking time