Pulse (legume)
A pulse (Latin "puls", from Ancient Greek πόλτος poltos "porridge") is an annual leguminous crop yielding from one to twelve seeds of variable size, shape, and color within a pod. Pulses are used for food for humans and other animals. Included in the pulses are: dry beans like pinto beans, kidney beans and navy beans; dry peas; lentils; and others.
Pulses are important food crops due to their high protein and essential amino acid content. Like many leguminous crops, pulses play a key role in crop rotation due to their ability to fix nitrogen.
Just like words such as "bean" and "lentil", the word "pulse" may refer to just the seed, or the entire plant.
Read more about Pulse (legume): Varying Interpretations, History, World Economy, Classification, Nutrient-rich Pulses, Health
Famous quotes containing the word pulse:
“My pulse as yours doth temperately keep time,
And makes as healthful music. It is not madness
That I have uttered.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)