Introduction: The Origin of Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as Garbanzo beans, are one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. The origin of chickpeas can be traced back to the Eastern Mediterranean region, where they have been grown for over 7,000 years. They are believed to have been first cultivated in Turkey and spread throughout the Mediterranean region, Asia, and Africa.

The Linguistic Roots of Chickpeas

The name “chickpea” is derived from the Latin word “cicer,” which means “small spherical fruit.” The word “Cicer” was used during ancient times to refer to both peas and chickpeas. The ancient Greeks called them “erythron” and the Romans called them “cicer arietinum.” The word “garbanzo” comes from the Spanish word “garvanzo,” which is believed to have been derived from the Greek word “erébinthos.”