It was our first time growing chickpeas so the Shearer put in a modest little patch, maybe .75m x 1.5m. He had acquired a packet of seed from a cool climate seed stockist. At worst we thought it would be a green manure crop.
From memory we sowed them in summer, just as we would the beans and they were quite fast growing, becoming little bushes with soft ferny leaves and developing masses of small white flowers. I thought I had taken a photo of the flower stage but couldn't find it. From the small flowers developed soft velvety pods, each containing one or two peas.
We allowed them to ripen and towards the dying off stage we then pulled them and hung them upside down in a shed to dry further. The podding was a little laborious but....
our reward is 1.5kg of our very own dried chickpeas. We could store them like this but I'm a bit of a spontaneous cook so when the preserving season winds down a little I will soak, cook and process in the pressure canner so they are shelf stable and ready for use in a moments notice. We will of course keep some for seed for next years' crop.
We rate this experiment a success and a good yield for crop space and a pantry staple at that.
I will try chick peas! That yield is impressive, when you think how many chickpea meals can be made with 1.5kg of chickpeas. Your preserves cupboard is magnificent!
ReplyDeleteawesome! totally love chick peas!
ReplyDeletethanx for sharing
THAT. PANTRY!
ReplyDeleteNot having a pressure canner, I tend to cook up a batch at a time and keep them in the freezer. I take out what i want and pour biling water over and they are good to go
ReplyDeleteI've never ever seen chickpeas growing nor did I know how they grow. This was really interesting and well done on your growing success. ps...very jealous of those beautiful bottles of preserves. Kathy
ReplyDeleteI've always been interested in growing more beans/legumes. Chickpeas look like a great option, particularly with the yield to plot size ratio. I think I'll add these to the summer garden plans.
ReplyDeleteI also dream of one day having a dedicated preserves cupboard. By this time of year I have jars stashed everywhere there is space!
How cool! I've never seen chickpeas growing and just presumed they wouldn't be growable in southern climes!
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