Red gram is a common name for the legume crop Cajanus cajan. The spelling of the word is /rɛd ɡræm/. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɛ/ as in "red" and the second syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /æ/ as in "gram". The word "red" refers to the color of the seeds, while "gram" is derived from the Hindi word "dal" which means pulse or legume. Red gram is an important crop in many regions of the world and plays a significant role in human diets and agricultural systems.
Red gram, also known as pigeon pea or Cajanus cajan, is a perennial legume plant native to Asia and Africa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is widely cultivated for its edible seeds.
The term "red gram" refers to the mature seeds of the pigeon pea plant that are most commonly reddish-brown in color. These seeds are usually dried and split, then used as an essential ingredient in various cuisines around the world.
Red gram is highly valued for its nutritional benefits as it is an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Its protein content is comparable to that of meat, making it a popular substitute for vegetarians and vegans. In addition, red gram is known to contain essential amino acids that contribute to overall well-being.
In terms of culinary usage, red gram is used in a wide array of dishes, including soups, stews, curries, and dal (a popular Indian lentil dish). It is often cooked with different spices, vegetables, and grains to enhance its flavor. The seeds can be ground into flour and used to make various traditional dishes such as pancakes, fritters, and dumplings.
Apart from its use as a food source, red gram is also cultivated as a forage crop to feed livestock. Due to its ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen, the plant is often used in crop rotation systems to improve soil fertility. Furthermore, red gram is valued in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, as it is believed to possess diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
The word "red gram" is derived from a combination of two different origins.
"Red" refers to the color of the seed coat of the gram, which is a vibrant shade of red.
The term "gram" comes from the Sanskrit word "gurmah", which means "bean". It was later adopted into various languages, including Hindi. "Gram" specifically refers to the legume known as chickpea or Bengal gram.
When combined, "red gram" refers to a specific variety of the legume with a red seed coat, which is known as the pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan).