Mother city hosts launch of Year of Pulses in SA

22 Apr 2016

The 2016 International Year of Pulses launched in South Africa at the Greek restaurant Mezepoli in the city of Cape Town and hosted guests such as Nuala Lawlor, the Trade Commissioner of the Canadian High Commission, media, pulse partners, and clients.

Roast Tomato and Black Eyed Bean Salad

The menu demonstrated the versatility and flavour of many pulse dishes, including falafel, bean salads, hummus, chickpea and pasta rice, as well as a warm lentil salad.

David Lever of AGT Foods Africa presented the benefits of pulses to the global community, which include sustainability, health, water and the environment. “Including pulses in your diet will protect you against a number of illnesses, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It addresses global malnutrition as well as obesity, due to its low cost and nutritional value. The amount of water used to produce pulses is far less than any other crops,” he said.

Maryke Gallagher, president of the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA), spoke about the many health benefits of pulses. Beans, chickpeas, lentils and peas are nutritional powerhouses that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from six months to toddlers, teenagers, adults and the elderly. They are a good source of protein, iron and calcium and everyone should incorporate them into their diets.

Guests received a copy of the newly launched pulse recipe book Just so Easy, which features many interesting pulse recipes. People realised just how easy it is to cook with pulses and were inspired to go home and prepare pulse dishes for their families.

The following brands are partners of IYP 2016 in South Africa:

AGT Foods Africa
Dry Bean Producers' Organisation (DPO)
Pioneer Foods – Imbo/Crossbow
Pouyoukas Foods
The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA
The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)
Tiger Brands – Lion

Everyone can get involved, visit the Global Pulse Confederation for more information.