Description

🫘 Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan), also known as toor dal, arhar, or red gram, are a protein-rich legume widely cultivated and consumed across India, Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. They’re a staple in Indian cuisine and a powerhouse in terms of nutrition and soil health.

🌿 Botanical & Agricultural Profile

• Family: Fabaceae (legume family)
• Growth habit: Shrubby or perennial plant, 1–4 meters tall
• Climate: Thrives in semi-arid tropical regions; drought-tolerant
• Soil: Sandy loam or loam; pH 5.0–7.5
• Sowing season: June–July (Kharif); also grown in Rabi season
• Harvest: 95–256 days after sowing depending on variety

🧪 Nutrition Highlights (per 100g dry seeds)

Pigeon peas are rich in essential amino acids like lysine, leucine, and tryptophan, making them a valuable plant-based protein source2.

💚 Health Benefits

• Supports heart health: High in potassium and fiber
• Manages diabetes: Low glycemic index and complex carbs
• Boosts immunity: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
• Prevents anemia: Excellent source of iron and folate
• Aids digestion: High fiber content promotes gut health

🍽️ Culinary Uses

• India: Used as toor dal in sambars, dals, and curries
• Africa & Caribbean: Cooked with rice, yams, or cassava
• Latin America: Featured in stews and soups (e.g., arroz con gandules)
• Asia: Sometimes fermented into tempeh or tofu

🌾 Farming & Soil Benefits

• Nitrogen fixer: Improves soil fertility naturally
• Intercropping: Commonly grown with millets, maize, or cotton
• Green manure: Adds organic matter and nutrients to soil