National Chickpea Day

National Chickpea Day celebrates the versatile and nutritious legume known as chickpea or garbanzo bean, which has been a dietary staple worldwide for thousands of years.

Quick Facts

When is it?: April 21st annually
Tagged as: Food Holiday, Legume Celebration
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalChickpeaDay
When was it founded?: 2019
Who founded it?: HIPPEAS, a chickpea snack brand

History

Chickpeas originated in the Middle East approximately 7,500 years ago. The word ‘chickpea’ first appeared in English print in 1338, derived from the French ‘chiche’ and Latin ‘cicer.’ These legumes played a crucial role in ancient civilizations and continue to be a fundamental ingredient in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines.

Timeline

7500 BCE: First cultivation in the Middle East
1338: First English print mention of “chickpea”
1548: Oxford Dictionary defines “cicer”
1914-1918: Germany cultivates chickpeas during WWI
2019: National Chickpea Day established

Dates by Next Year

Year	Date	Day
2025	April 21	Monday
2026	April 21	Tuesday
2027	April 21	Wednesday
2028	April 21	Friday
2029	April 21	Saturday

How It’s Observed

People celebrate by preparing chickpea-based dishes like hummus, falafel, chana masala, and roasted chickpea snacks. Many restaurants offer special chickpea-based menu items, and food enthusiasts share recipes on social media.

Fun Facts About Chickpeas

They contain more folate than any other bean
Available in three colors: brown, black, and green
One cup provides 15 grams of protein
Can be ground into flour (called gram flour)
Used as a coffee substitute when roasted

Quiz

Where did chickpeas originate?
How many grams of protein in one cup?
What year was National Chickpea Day founded?
What’s the Spanish name for chickpeas?

(Answers: Middle East, 15 grams, 2019, Garbanzo)

FAQs

Q: Are chickpeas beans or peas?
A: They’re actually legumes, neither beans nor peas.

Q: Can chickpeas be eaten raw?
A: No, they should always be cooked before consuming.

Importance of National Chickpea Day

This celebration raises awareness about sustainable protein sources, promotes healthy eating habits, and highlights the cultural significance of chickpeas in global cuisine.