Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are healthy legumes that can be bought raw, frozen, or canned. Raw chickpeas are the most nutritious but should be checked for quality. Canned chickpeas are convenient but may contain added salt and have reduced nutritional value. Chickpeas are versatile and used in many dishes, with canned and frozen versions having a softer texture and raw chickpeas having a firmer texture.
Chickpeas are healthy legumes that are also commonly referred to as garbanzo beans. The most nutritional chickpeas come in raw form, but there are a few steps you need to take to ensure you’re buying the best quality versions. Frozen chickpeas are a viable option for later use, especially if you’re initially buying raw in bulk. Canned versions might be your best bet if you’re looking to prepare meals in a hurry — keep in mind that the canning process often adds sodium to the food. Chickpeas are cooked in a number of Middle Eastern and European dishes, and the type of legume you choose ultimately depends on your preferences in texture.
Legumes are traditionally best when selected raw from the grocery store because they hold the highest nutritional value. When buying fresh chickpeas, you should avoid bins that contain bruised beans or those that have holes in them. If you buy packaged chickpeas, you’ll need to sort the product and remove any damaged ones before cooking. Buying foods in bulk generally guarantees you’ll get the best prices, but there’s also a higher risk of getting a spoiled product.
Another benefit of buying raw chickpeas in bulk is that they tend to freeze well for future use. This also gives you the ability to add legumes to a dish quickly. Typically, cooked chickpeas can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Keep in mind that beans must be completely thawed before using.
Before cooking a dish with chickpeas, the legumes must be thoroughly washed and cooked to soften them. Since this process can be time-consuming, you may consider purchasing canned chickpeas as an alternative way to quickly prepare a meal. Keep in mind that the convenience of canned chickpeas comes at a cost, since these foods often contain added salt. Also, some of the nutritional value is reduced during the canning process.
Garbanzo beans are extremely versatile and are used to prepare numerous dishes, from appetizers and soups to casseroles and vegetable dishes. Canned and frozen versions tend to have a slightly softer texture, so these are usually the best choices if you plan on mashing legumes to make dishes like hummus. If you want a slightly firmer texture to complement a particular dish, then you should consider cooking raw chickpeas.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
