Region of Origin
Commodity:
Bean Garbanzo Fresh
Description & Origin
Garbanzo beans are a legume also known as chickpeas. They are in the same plant family as other beans and peas, but are in their own genus. While garbanzo beans are most commonly found dried or canned, small volumes are harvested fresh, while the seeds are still green, for use as a vegetable. Each thin-walled, soft pod contains 1 to 2 fresh garbanzo beans. The pods are not typically consumed, but ...
Other Names
Green Chickpeas
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Garbanzo beans are a low calorie, high fiber, high protein legume. They are a good source of iron, folate, phosphorus, and healthy unsaturated fatty acids. In traditional medicine, garbanzo beans have been used to treat a wide variety of ailments and are considered useful for lowering cholesterol.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Fresh green garbanzo beans are used in many traditional Indian and Middle-Eastern dishes; often the same dishes that you would use dried garbanzo beans in. They can be used to bring a fresh, herbaceous flavor to falafel, hummus, curries, samosas, masalas, and more. They can also be used in creative new ways, like seared in the pod and salted for use as a bar snack, like edamame. Quickly blanched, ice cooled, and pureed, green garbanzos make a vibrant green spread. They can be used raw to add crunch to a salad or blanched and used in the same ways an English pea would. Cooking methods include sauteing, steaming, stir-frying, grilling, roasting, or adding to soups and stews.
Flavor Pairings
Carrot, Lemon, Mint, Onion, Chile Pepper, Cilantro, Parsley, Pepper, Coconut, Spinach, Tomato, Garlic, Sesame, Cumin, Curry, Olive Oil, Tahini
How to Prepare
Unless charring in the pod, garbanzo beans should be shelled before use. Shelled garbanzos should be rinsed before use. They can be used raw or added directly to soups, stews, etc.
How to Store in the Kitchen
Fresh garbanzo beans should be kept in a sealed bag in the refrigerator. They can also be blanched and frozen for future use.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Garbanzo bean pods are not particularly pleasant to eat, but they can be composted or fed to chickens or other farm animals.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
32°F
TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
32-39°F (Cold Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING:
No
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
90-95%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Unknown
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Unknown
Quality Assessment
Look for vibrant pods that are plump and fuzzy. They should be free from excessive bruising or browning, broken pods, or discoloration.
Important Handling Notes
Do not compress green garbanzos, which can cause damage to the pod and increase likelihood of decay.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, fresh garbanzo beans may last up to 2 weeks.