Tag: Legume differences

Despite both belonging to the same botanical species, *Phaseolus vulgaris*, pinto beans and kidney beans are distinctly different varieties with unique culinary characteristics. While both are nutritious plant-based proteins, their differences in texture, flavor, and appearance mean they are not simply interchangeable in a recipe.

Did you know that despite belonging to the same broad plant family, white beans and peas are distinctly different species from separate genera? The question, "Are white beans related to peas?" reveals a complex answer rooted in plant taxonomy and evolution.

While both are pulses, horse gram (`Macrotyloma uniflorum`) is a distinct species from common lentils (`Lens culinaris`), debunking the misconception that they are interchangeable. The confusion often arises because horse gram is sometimes broadly referred to as a type of lentil in culinary contexts, especially in South Asia. This guide explains the key distinctions.

Over 1.5 million metric tons of chickpeas were produced in India alone in 2023, yet many people remain confused about its classification. So, are chickpeas a lentil, or are they distinct types of legumes? The short answer is they are not the same, but both belong to the larger legume family.