Consumers want these properties as well as a healthy, nutritious product. Many pulses can satisfy these requirements. They can add a valuable source of carbohydrates and protein to a meal, along with other positive nutritional benefits. Pulses which are ready to cook and eat quickly are another potential growth area. Pre-cooking and correct packaging are the keys to sales in this area.
Pulses are a good source of carbohydrate, protein, fibre and calcium, iron, thiamine and riboflavin.
However, they a poor source of sulphur amino acids which can cause a problem in diets which do not contain protein sources from meat. Properly cooked pulses are a very healthy product. With correct processing and packaging, pulse products can be sold as health supplements in supermarkets or health food stores. This is a speciality market but with the appropriate scientific backing, could be profitable. In conclusion, there are no quick fixes to product development.