In the quest for sustainable and nutritious food sources, a group of often-overlooked legumes is stepping into the spotlight. Known as “forgotten gems,” these underutilized legumes, including horse gram, winged bean, Bambara groundnut, rice bean, adzuki beans, and hyacinth bean, are gaining attention for their potential to address global hunger, nutritional imbalances, and sustainability challenges. A recent review published in *Legume Science* delves into the nutritional powerhouses and their potential to revolutionize the agriculture sector.
These legumes are packed with essential nutrients, containing 32%–37% protein and 23%–40% carbohydrates, along with vital bioactive compounds. “These legumes are not just about filling stomachs; they are about nourishing bodies and sustaining the environment,” says Kiranbeer Kaur, lead author of the study and a researcher at the Department of Food Science and Technology at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University in Bathinda, Punjab, India.
The review highlights the health benefits and industrial applications of these legumes, emphasizing processing techniques such as conventional, thermal, and bioprocessing methods to enhance their market appeal. “By improving processing methods, we can make these legumes more accessible and appealing to consumers, thereby boosting their market value,” Kaur explains.
One of the most significant advantages of these underutilized legumes is their contribution to sustainable agriculture. Their inherent drought tolerance and nitrogen-fixing capacity make them ideal crops for environmentally friendly farming practices. “These legumes can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, promoting a more sustainable agricultural system,” Kaur notes.
However, the wider adoption of these legumes faces several challenges, including weak supply chain networks, limited financial investment in research and market infrastructure, and inadequate awareness among both producers and consumers. “To fully harness the potential of these legumes, we need to invest in research, improve market infrastructure, and raise awareness among farmers and consumers,” Kaur emphasizes.
The commercial impacts of integrating these legumes into the agriculture sector are substantial. They offer a new revenue stream for farmers and can diversify crop production, reducing the reliance on a few major crops. Additionally, the health benefits and functional properties of these legumes can attract health-conscious consumers, further driving market demand.
As the world grapples with the challenges of food security, nutritional imbalances, and environmental sustainability, underutilized legumes present a promising solution. By investing in research, improving market infrastructure, and raising awareness, we can unlock the full potential of these “forgotten gems” and pave the way for a more sustainable and nutritious future. The study, led by Kiranbeer Kaur and published in *Legume Science*, serves as a call to action for the agriculture sector to embrace these underutilized legumes and harness their benefits for a better tomorrow.