About
What is the USA Pulses EU Campaign?
The USA Pulses EU campaign is part of a worldwide effort by the USA pulse industry to show why lentils, dry beans, chickpeas, and dry peas are considered “Superfoods” of the future.
The usapulseseu.org website offers a wide range of pulse-related information and reference materials on:
- the different types of pulses that exist,
- actionable information on the nutritional and health benefits of pulse consumption,
- the economic and environmental benefits of greater consumption and production of pulses, and
- the many pulse preparation techniques, recipes, and pulse ingredients that make pulses such a versatile food.
The USAPulsesEU campaign also offers on-line and in-person training for chefs in commercial and institutional restaurants as well as for students in culinary institutes to help today’s HRI-sector workers meet the growing consumer demand for plant-based foods while containing costs and promoting sustainability. In collaboration with a vegan chef, we created a training program teaching:
- the importance of pulses in the diet and in the social trend towards a more vegetable-based cuisine
- techniques for the correct preparation of dishes with pulses
- food combinations to maximize the dietary and culinary potential of pulses, and
- demonstrate how pulses can be an important component in modern, successful restaurants and catering operations.
USA Pulses EU, formerly know as LegumeChef was, established in 2001 to help professional chefs in Spain respond to growing demand for more plant-based foods, the USA Pulses EU campaign now offers a range of pulse-related training and information resources to restaurants and institutional chefs, dietitians, nutritionists, food processors, and consumers, in Spanish, English, Italian and Portuguese.
ABOUT THE U.S. PULSE INDUSTRY
The USA Pulses Europe campaign is sponsored by the farmers, processors, and exporters of pulses (beans, lentils chickpeas and dry peas) in the United States.
US farmers from New York to California produce a wide range of the highest quality pulses in the world. This high quality guarantee has been especially important to pulse packagers and canners and cookers in Spain and Italy whose companies’ multi-generational traditions of producing, processing, and trading pulses has made them perhaps the most knowledgeable and demanding pulse buyers in the world. The Legumechef campaign was created by the US industry in support of its good customers in these markets, and continues to expand into other markets in response to growing demand for healthier and more sustainable, plant-based foods.
The USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council is a major pulse industry association in the United States and sponsor of this website and campaign.
The USA DPLC was established in 1965 as a non-profit organization to promote and protect the interests of growers, processors, warehousemen and sellers of dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas in the United States.
The 5,000 growers, processors, exporters, and associates represented by the USA DPLC take pride in their ability to produce the highest quality dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas for national and international markets. U.S. dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas – earning the “Standard of Quality” seal every day.
Total Planted Acres
Total Pulses Production
More in-depth insight and additional resources
PULSES SUPPLIERS AND THE U.S. MANUFACTURING
PULSES SUPPLIERS
Pulse suppliers are essential in connecting farmers with the broader market. They procure raw pulses such as lentils, chickpeas, dry peas, and beans directly from growers. These suppliers ensure the quality and consistency of the pulses, often providing initial cleaning and sorting services before the pulses move on to processing or distribution. Their role is crucial in maintaining the supply chain’s efficiency and reliability.
PULSES MANUFACTURES
Pulse manufacturers specialize in transforming raw pulses into a variety of consumable products. This includes milling pulses into flours, producing canned or packaged goods, and creating pulse-based ingredients for food products. Manufacturers focus on adding value to pulses, enhancing their usability in different culinary applications, and meeting consumer demand for plant-based protein sources.
PULSES DISTRIBUTORS
Pulse distributors handle the logistics of delivering pulses from suppliers and manufacturers to various markets, including retailers, food service providers, and international buyers. They manage storage, transportation, and inventory, ensuring that pulses reach their destinations in optimal condition. Distributors play a vital role in expanding the reach of pulses, making them accessible to a wider audience.
What are Pulses?
Pulses are the dry, edible seeds of plants in the legume family; beans, dry peas, lentils and chickpeas are the most common pulses produced in the world.
Pulses are healthy, nutritious and easy to cook with. Growing pulses also promotes sustainable agriculture, as pulse crops help decrease greenhouse gases, increase soil health, and use less water than other crops.
