Clemson University offers undergraduates and graduate students opportunities to engage in research projects through a program known as Creative Inquiry. In this program, undergraduates learn to embark on research projects under the guidance of professors, with graduate students serving as assistants. Three undergraduates from the CU Pulse Quality and Nutritional Breeding Lab, Dillan Hazzard, Jacob Johnson, and Charlie Kresser, participated in exploring ways to introduce pulses to South Carolina and promote them in the American diet. Two graduate students, Sonia Salaria and Nathan Windsor, mentored these undergraduates, aiding them in achieving their research objectives. Throughout the semester, this collaborative team conducted research, maintained gardens, and developed an educational extension tool in the form of a cookbook. Together with the lab as a whole, they have been making significant progress in introducing pulses to South Carolina. After all of their hard work, they got to present their findings at the 19th Annual Focus on Creative Inquiry Poster event hosted at the Watt Innovation Center on Clemon’s campus.
Currently, pulses are not cultivated in the Southeast region of the United States, and by extension, North America. Typically, pulses thrive in cooler climates, such as Montana or parts of Canada. Introducing pulses to this region could contribute to enhancing a protein-rich, plant-based alternative that benefits both producers and consumers. Understanding the nutritional advantages of these crops and their optimal growing conditions is crucial. However, the question remains: how can consumers identify these crops in the grocery store, and more importantly, how can they incorporate them into their cooking routines? This is where the cookbook plays a vital role. Extension resources like cookbooks are essential as they bridge the knowledge gap between researchers and consumers. By providing such resources, consumers can gain insight into the benefits of these crops and learn how to prepare them at home.
As the demand for plant-based protein sources continues to increase, alongside rising meat prices and the challenges posed by climate change in agriculture, pulses and similar crops offer a sustainable solution with significant nutritional value at an affordable price. Projects like Tiger Garden CI pave the way for further research aimed at integrating pulses into the American diet. Continued innovation in agriculture, including advancements in genetic research, farming tools, and alternative growing strategies, will likely drive further demand for nutritious food options. However, there is still much to learn before pulses become a staple food in American households. Research remains essential for driving change across various fields, underscoring the importance of continued exploration and learning.
