“World Pulses Day: nutrition, tradition and sustainability”

Every February 10 is celebrated as World Pulses Day, a date proclaimed by the United Nations Organization (UN) with the aim of highlighting the importance of these foods in food security, nutrition, and sustainable development.

Legumes —such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, pigeon peas, and frijoles— are an essential source of vegetable proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, as well as being accessible and fundamental in the diet of millions of people worldwide. The UN highlights that the consumption and production of legumes contribute to more sustainable food systems, as they improve soil fertility, require fewer water resources, and generate a lower environmental impact compared to other crops.

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In the Dominican Republic, legumes are an essential part of traditional gastronomy and represent a pillar of daily nutrition, so this commemoration also invites to promote healthy eating habits and to value local agricultural production. The World Pulses Day seeks to raise awareness of their role in the fight against hunger, malnutrition, and climate change, as well as encourage their consumption for the benefit of health and the environment.