Focus on legumes: discover enjoyment for the climate and health!

Focus on legumes: discover enjoyment for the climate and health!

A new project at the University of Hohenheim is committed to promoting and publicizing legumes. A field day will take place on July 2, 2025, focusing on various legumes. The aim is to present their benefits as a source of protein. As part of this initiative, a recipe book is presented that offers a variety of preparation options, including chickpea quiche and Mediterranean flat pea salad. Student test chefs show the recipes in an accompanying video, which is part of the CiLaKlima project, which was also developed at the University of Hohenheim. Pulses offer concrete benefits in times of climate change, such as uni-hohenheim.de reported.

Pulses are increasingly seen as central components of a healthy, sustainable diet. Despite their many advantages, they fight against the prejudice of being unattractive. Health experts emphasize that consuming legumes can replace animal protein. The organic cultivation and consumption of legumes is on the rise in Switzerland, which reflects efforts to promote a plant-based diet. These trends are also supported by new recipe ideas and restaurant offerings, such as fibl.org represents.

International recognition and local initiatives

International Pulse Day, celebrated annually on February 10, aims to raise public awareness of the importance of these plants for sustainable agriculture. The United Nations established this day to highlight the role of legumes and promote their integration into dietary habits. Matthias Klaiss from FiBL Switzerland points out that many consumers perceive legumes as unattractive, even though they are healthy and nutritious. Nevertheless, there is a trend towards rediscovery of these plants, supported by the growing range of plant-based foods such as hummus and legume substitutes fibl.org.

The federal government has also taken steps to integrate legumes more into the diet. As part of their nutritional strategy “Good Food for Germany”, the importance of increasing the use of vegetables, fruit and especially legumes is emphasized. This strategy aims to reduce meat consumption and promote environmentally friendly alternatives, as the global food system contributes to 21% of greenhouse gas emissions, with animal foods accounting for a large proportion. Growing legumes also reduces the need for fertilizer because they fix nitrogen from the air. A plant-based diet can therefore make a decisive contribution to climate protection oekolandbau.de explained.

Conclusion: A climate-friendly perspective

In conclusion, both local and international initiatives aim to raise awareness of pulses and exploit their nutritional benefits. From public events promoting cultivation to government nutrition strategies, the signs point to a revival of these valuable foods. Consumers can be excited by discovering new recipes and cooking methods, which simultaneously increases the demand and consumption of pulses.