Food

Researcher examines chickpea plants in the field
By Kaine Korzekwa

Chickpeas are a very important crop and food in India. They are used almost every day in meals and snacks. India is the largest producer, consumer, and importer of chickpeas. And with good reason — they are high in protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

green chickpea pods hanging on the plant

Stevia plants growing in trays in the greenhouse.
By Eric Hamilton

It’s a fact - humans love sugar. For those of us who also like to watch our calories, sugar substitutes can help.Stevia plants growing in trays in the greenhouse.

Some zero-calorie or low-calorie sweeteners have attracted bad reputations for containing unnatural ingredients. But there are also natural sweeteners derived from plants, like stevia.

Research field with small, rectangle plots of chickpea plants. Each small plot has a different level of greenness. Rolling hills in the background.
By Emily Matzke

In recent years, hummus has become a pop culture food phenomenon, drawing praises from dieticians for the health benefits and chefs for the flavor.

Woman smiling squatting down by plants in a field

However, the core ingredient, the chickpea, has had its production threatened.

man inspecting quinoa plant in field
By Eric Hamilton

Your morning cereal or oatmeal. The bread on your sandwich. The corn chips for your snack, and the cookies for dessert. Not one would be possible with the humblest of ingredients: the seed.

Seeds such as wheat, rice and corn directly provide about 70% of the calories eaten by people every day. And they ultimately provide nearly every morsel of food, either by providing feed for livestock or by being grown into fruits and vegetables. It’s no overstatement to say that without seeds, civilization would be impossible.