Fresh Steamed Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are legumes that grow on the *Cicer arietinum* plant. They are typically cooked by steaming or boiling, which softens them and makes them ready for use in various dishes.

Steamed chickpeas are often used as a base for dips like hummus, or added to salads, soups, and stews for texture and protein. Their mild flavor also makes them suitable for sweet applications, such as in chocolate-flavored spreads.

Chickpeas are a good source of dietary fiber and plant-based protein. They are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for consumption. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated chickpeas and their components, finding them safe as a food ingredient.