Desi chana, also known as Desi Chickpeas or Bengal Gram (Cicer arietinum), is a smaller, darker variety of chickpea commonly grown and consumed in India and other parts of South Asia. Unlike the larger, cream-colored Kabuli variety, Desi chana has a rough, thicker skin and a darker, more irregular appearance. This variety is a staple in Indian cuisine, often used in its whole form or split to make chana dal.
Key Characteristics of Desi Chana:
Appearance:
Shape: Small and angular with a rough, wrinkled texture.
Size: Smaller than Kabuli chickpeas, typically 5-8 mm in diameter.
Colour: Ranges from dark brown, black, or reddish-brown with a coarse outer skin.
Texture:
Raw: Hard and dense when dried.
Cooked: Becomes soft and tender when boiled or pressure-cooked, but retains a firmer texture compared to Kabuli chickpeas.
Aroma: Has a mild, earthy aroma when raw, becoming more pronounced and nuttier after cooking.
Flavour: Desi chana has a slightly more robust, earthy, and nutty flavour compared to the milder Kabuli variety. Its hearty flavour makes it ideal for curries, stews, and snacks.
Specification:
Culinary Uses:
Whole: Used in traditional Indian dishes like chole or ghugni, often soaked and cooked with spices.
Chana Dal: When split, Desi chana is known as chana dal and is widely used in dals, soups, and snacks.
Roasted Snacks: Roasted Desi chana is a popular snack, often consumed plain or spiced.
Flour: Ground Desi chickpeas are used to make besan (chickpea flour), a key ingredient in Indian cuisine for batters, fritters, and sweets.
Nutritional Value:Desi chana is highly nutritious, rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, magnesium, and phosphorus. Its higher fiber content compared to Kabuli chickpeas makes it particularly beneficial for digestion and controlling blood sugar levels.
Benefits:
Desi chana is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It offers numerous health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting energy levels, and supporting bone health.
Cultivate Seasons for India:
Desi chana is predominantly cultivated during the kharif season in India, with sowing typically done in June-July and harvesting in October-November.
Our Services
Reliable Sourcing:
Reliable sourcing of Desi chana in India involves selecting trusted suppliers from regions known for producing high-quality pulses, such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. These regions offer ideal growing conditions with fertile soil and a dry climate, which promotes the cultivation of Desi chana with a high nutritional value. Partnering with farmers who practice sustainable and organic farming methods, such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), ensures the pulses are grown without synthetic fertilizers or harmful pesticides. Ensuring that Desi chana is harvested at the optimal time, when fully matured, helps to maintain its natural flavor, size, and nutritional profile. Working with certified suppliers who follow ethical and transparent sourcing practices ensures a consistent supply of premium Desi chana.
Premium Quality Assurance:
Premium quality assurance for Desi chana involves a thorough inspection and testing process throughout the production chain. This starts with checking for moisture content, which should be controlled between 10-12% to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness. The Desi chana is tested for uniformity in size and quality, and any damaged, discolored, or immature pulses are removed. It’s essential to ensure the pulses are free from contaminants such as aflatoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals. The chana is also inspected for its protein and fiber content, as these are key indicators of nutritional quality. Proper drying and storage in cool, dry conditions help maintain the quality of the pulses, preventing mold growth and insect infestation. Additionally, certifications such as ISO, HACCP, and FSSAI help to verify that the chana meets international food safety and quality standards.
Process:
The processing of Desi chana begins with careful harvesting once the plants have reached full maturity, usually after 90-120 days of growth. After harvesting, the chana is sun-dried to reduce its moisture content and improve its shelf life. The dried pulses are then cleaned to remove dirt, stones, and other foreign matter using mechanical cleaners. The cleaning is followed by sorting, where the chana is graded based on size and quality. After sorting, split chana (chana dal) is produced by hulling and splitting the pulses. Throughout the process, quality checks are performed to ensure the Desi chana is free from defects and impurities. Finally, the pulses are packaged in airtight, food-grade materials to preserve their freshness and nutritional value. Proper labeling and storage in cool, dry environments ensure the Desi chana retains its quality until it reaches the market.
Packaging, Shipping & Delivery
Packaging:
Bags and Pouches:
For Desi Chana, high-quality food-grade materials such as laminated multi-layer pouches (made of materials like PET, PE, BOPP, and Aluminum foil) are used. These bags are moisture-proof and help retain the freshness, flavor, and aroma of the spices. Zip-lock pouches, stand-up pouches, and resealable bags are also popular for smaller quantities.
Polypropylene (PP) Woven Bags:
These are the most common types of bags used for packaging large quantities (25 kg and 40 kg) of Desi Chana. They are made of woven polypropylene material, which is strong, lightweight, and durable, providing excellent resistance to tearing and damage during handling and transport.
Laminated Bags:
For additional protection against moisture and humidity, PP woven bags can be laminated with a layer of plastic film. This lamination creates a barrier against moisture, ensuring the spices stay dry and fresh during transportation and storage.
Multi-Wall Paper Bags:
These bags consist of several layers of kraft paper, which provide strength and are often lined with a plastic or polyethylene layer to offer protection against moisture and humidity. They are environmentally friendly and widely used in many markets for exporting food products.
Vacuum-Sealed Packaging:
This type of packaging removes air from the package before sealing, which helps prevent oxidation and moisture build-up, preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of the spices.
Paper or Carton Boxes:
After the packaging, the smaller bags or pouches are placed in corrugated cardboard cartons or paper boxes. These cartons are sturdy, stackable, and protect the contents from physical damage during handling and transportation.
Palletization and Wrapping:
Cartons or sacks are often stacked on wooden or plastic pallets and wrapped with stretch film or shrink wrap. This provides stability, reduces the risk of damage during transport, and makes handling more efficient.
Export Documentation:
Handle all necessary export documentation, including phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, and any specific certifications required by the importing country.
Efficient Shipping:
Partner with reliable freight forwarders and logistics companies to ensure timely and safe delivery of goods. Offer multiple shipping options (air, sea, or land) based on customer preferences.