Legumes

What this legume collection includes

Legumes is a broad category, not one commodity specification. This collection includes black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, green lentils, lentils, green peas and vetch. Beans, chickpeas, lentils and dried peas can be traded as edible dry seeds, but the category name alone does not confirm any item’s form or intended use.

Green peas need a form check: dried green peas are pulses, while fresh or frozen peas are different products. Vetch also needs separate identification. Confirm its species and whether the product is seed, forage or hay before assessing its suitability.

Ingredient names matter

Black beans, kidney beans and chickpeas are distinct market classes, not interchangeable just because they are legumes. Lentils also vary by class and appearance; green lentils should not be assumed to match every product sold simply as lentils. Whole, split, dehulled and cleaned forms can have different uses and handling needs, so specify the form you require.

Vetch should not be treated as an ordinary edible pulse or feed-ready ingredient based on its name alone. Species, plant part, processing and intended use all matter.

Clarify the bulk specification

For a bulk purchase, define the ingredient’s market class or species, form, intended use and specification basis. Depending on the product and process, useful lot details can include moisture, foreign material, seed size, splits, damaged or discolored seeds, and grade. Agree on relevant acceptance criteria for the specific commodity rather than applying one set of limits to the whole category.

Ask for current lot documentation when analytical or inspection results are important to your use. Also confirm packaging and moisture protection against your receiving and storage setup.

Common questions.