Chickpeas are a staple crop in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines, and their cultivation history dates back thousands of years.
Where do chickpeas grow?
Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) thrive in warm, dry and sunny climates.
Key growing areas:
- Mediterranean countries – for example, Spain, Italy and Turkey
- Middle East – especially Iran and Turkey
- South Asia – India is the world's largest producer
- Arid and semi-arid areas – depending on the variety (Desi for arid areas, Kabuli for temperate areas)
The plant is an annual and grows to a height of about 20–60 cm. It produces pods as long as there is enough heat.
In Finland, chickpeas are still an experimental plant, but interest is growing.
Where are chickpeas imported to Finland?
Finland's climate is not naturally ideal for chickpeas, so most of the chickpeas on the market are imported.
Imports follow the general European trade flow:
- Spain and Italy – Europe’s own production areas
- Turkey – a major producer and common source for the EU
- India – the world’s largest producer and exporter
- Other Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries – varying according to availability
Imports from outside the EU require phytosanitary certificates and strict import requirements to prevent the spread of plant pests.
