Black chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) are a highly nutritious legume widely used in the food industry, especially in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines. They are also used in flour production and animal feed. Below are the general specifications for black chickpeas:
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Small, round, dark brown to black-colored beans
Odor & Taste: Neutral, characteristic of chickpeas, with a slightly nutty flavor
Size:
Small: 4-6 mm
Medium: 6-8 mm
Large: 8-10 mm
Purity: Min 99% (export quality)
Foreign Matter: Max 0.5%
Broken & Damaged Grains: Max 2-3%
Moisture Content: Max 10-12%
Admixture: Max 0.5-2%
Chemical & Nutritional Properties (Per 100g):
Protein: 18-22%
Carbohydrates: 60-65%
Dietary Fiber: 12-18%
Fat Content: 4-6%
Total Ash Content: Max 3-4%
Acid Insoluble Ash: Max 0.5%
Energy Value: Approx. 350-400 kcal
Microbiological Standards:
Total Plate Count: Max 100,000 CFU/g
Yeast & Mold: Max 1,000 CFU/g
Coliforms: <10 CFU/g
E. Coli: Absent
Salmonella: Absent
Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2): Max 10 ppb
Contaminants & Adulterants:
Pesticide Residues: As per country-specific regulations (FSSAI, EU, FDA)
Heavy Metals:
Lead (Pb): <0.2 ppm
Cadmium (Cd): <0.1 ppm
Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm
Mercury (Hg): <0.05 ppm
Artificial Colors & Additives: Must be absent
Foreign Matter: Max 0.5%
Applications of Black Chickpeas:
Food Industry: Used in curries, soups, salads, and chickpea flour (besan) production
Pharmaceuticals & Ayurveda: Used for its high fiber, protein, and digestive health benefits
Animal Feed: Used as a protein-rich ingredient for livestock and poultry
Flour Production: Ground into chickpea flour for baking and gluten-free recipes
