Pigeon Pea: Healthy Meat Alternative
03 June, 2018
HARTOUM (Sudan) - Pigeon pea (known in Sudan as adasy or adasia) is a perennial legume from the family fabaceae, mostly grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. shrub, growing to over 3m tall
Pigeon pea shrub can grow up to 3.5 meters. The seeds - whether white, green, cream, brown, purplish or black in color - are rich in nutrients that are needed for a healthy body. It also has a role in regaining the soil fertility therefore it is grown in large-scale agricultural schemes in Sudan. Its residue is used as animal fodder.
According to nutrition expert Dr. Manal Hassan al-Gabany of Soba Hospital pigeon peas are excellent source of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and potassium. The legume is rich in protein content and provides an adequate amount of iron, carbohydrates and fats that provides the human body with the energy needed to perform the functions of daily life. It also contains dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin B and C.
Therefore, it is described as an afforded source for preventing anemia (iron), particularly for pregnant women, and the resulting neural tube defects in unborn.
It is required for the growth and development of human body (protein content) as it is essential for the formation of cells, tissues, muscles and bones and helps in curing joints and backbone pains. It helps in maintaining healthy heart and digestion (due to its fiber contents).
As food, the Sudanese mainly use the boiled dry seeds. They add either sugar and fat or salt, with onion and sesame oil.
Its consumption is related to the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan, happy occasions and karama (alms organized as thanks giving to Allah).
However, of recently, specialists are recommending expansion of pigeon pea use, particularly for school pupils and students boarding houses, as a cheap and equally rich nutritional source.
Though it was first domesticated in India and grown there for thousands of years, still New Delhi has of recently started importing Sudanese pigeon pea due to its extra characteristics.
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