America’s strength as a nation is partly due to its strength as an agricultural power. The huge expanse of American land and the vast number of climates across the country allow the USA to grow a greater diversity of crops and raise more kinds of animals than other countries. The USA is producing more food than ever before. Better seeds and improved technologies—such as automated irrigation systems and tractors—have reduced reliance on human power while increasing productivity. As products of America’s innovative farming practices and beneficial climate, U.S. Pulses are known for consistency in their size and quality.
A large variety of dry beans grown in the U.S.
Some of these are like beans that grow in parts of Asia, but others are very different. Pinto and kidney beans account for the largest share of U.S. production.
Each has a distinctive flavor and texture. They have traditionally found use in the U.S. in soups, stews, and salads. Some are particularly suited to international cuisines. For example, black beans are well-suited to Latin American, Caribbean, and Southwestern U.S. dishes, while garbanzo beans (chickpeas) are especially popular in many Middle Eastern and Indian dishes.
In Southeast Asia, manufacturers have purchased Great Northern beans to produce canned pork and beans.
Dry Bean Production Across the U.S.
U.S. Dry Peas, Lentils, and Chickpeas
Dry peas are the largest export item to Southeast Asia.
Green peas are primarily used for food purposes. In the U.S., they are often canned and served as a side dish or used in soups and salads. In Southeast Asia, they are used primarily for fried pea snacks.
Yellow peas are used for both food and livestock feed. Number 1 and number 2 grade yellow peas are mostly used for food purposes, such as in Indian foods (dal) and soups. Chinese producers buy yellow peas to extract the starch for vermicelli noodle production. Yellow peas in Southeast Asia are also used in fried snacks. In Indonesia, for example, yellow peas are purchased for fried snacks because they are cheaper than green peas. But, they are then dyed green.
