What Are Pulses?

Pulses are the edible seeds of plants in the legume family including chickpeas, lentils, dry peas and beans. Did you know that Pulses are grown in Canada?

• 8.4 million tons produced in Canada in 2016
• Majority grown in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba (also Southern Ontario & Quebec)
• Canada is one of the largest producers of dry beans

Environmental and Agricultural Benefits of Pulses

In addition to being good for you, pulses are also good for the Earth! Pulses are nitrogen-fixing crops, which means they can convert nitrogen in the air into a plant available nutrient. Pulses can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers, ultimately improving the environmental sustainability of annual cropping systems.

• Thrives in poor conditions
• Low carbon footprint
• Water efficient
• Negative carbon balance
• Nourishes the soil

Economic Benefits of Pulses

• Affordable and easy to prepare
• Long shelf life
• Less expensive than equal portion of meat protein

Health Benefits of Pulses

Pulses are plant proteins that are high in fibre, nutrient rich and high in protein and can help:

• Reduce cardiovascular disease
• Manage blood sugar levels
• Contribute to a healthy gut
• Maintain a healthy body weight

Interested in trying Pulses but don’t know where to start?

Chigamik is pleased to offer anyone in our community with a “Pulses Kit” to help you get started on your journey to creating better health, more affordable food, and a healthier planet! Each Pulses Kit contains the following:

• Canned beans
• Rice
• Recipe Card
• Instructions on how to cook pulses

How to pick up your pulses kit

Please fill out the form below to register for a Pulses Kit at no cost. To pick up your kit, please visit the Community Health Hub located at 287 Bayshore Drive in Midland on Thursdays from 10am to 3pm. *Quantities are limited and based on a first come first served model.