Legumes: Third Most Important Food Crop
what is a legume are a type of plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family, which is also known as the pea family. They are known for producing seeds that are encased in pods and are an important source of protein and nutrients for people around the world. Some of their common examples are beans, lentils, peas, peanuts, and chickpeas. These plants are used for food, feed, and other products such as oil and fuel. They are also known for their ability to fix nitrogen from the air and enrich the soil in which they are grown. This makes them an important component of sustainable agriculture and an attractive choice for farmers looking to improve soil fertility. Etymology The word “legume” comes from the Latin word “legumen,” which means “pod” or “seed vessel.” The term “legume” is also used to refer to the edible seeds of these plants, which are often used as a source of protein and nutrition. The term “pulse” refers to the dried seed of certain legume crops. Scientific classification of