Chickpea Edible Cups: Fun and Sustainable Sips for Kids
Abstract:
Child growth and development is a multifaceted process that commences in utero and continues till adulthood. This development is influenced by various factors, including the environment, biology, and nutrition, among others. Nutrition plays a vital role in the growth and development of children. On the other hand, there is an increased disposal of single-use plastics. To address this issue, edible cup is formulated to bridge the gap between nutrition and sustainability. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) annual plant of the family Fabaceae is mainly grown in semiarid and temperate regions. Chickpeas are a type of pulse that are grown worldwide and are regarded as an affordable, high-protein food. Therefore, chickpea is incorporated in an edible cup for the ease of nutritional intake as well as on the notes of sustainability. Edible cups are a unique and environmentally friendly solution to the problem of waste generated by disposable cups. This edible cup was composed of chickpea flour, jaggery and dates powder in the ratio of 2:1:0.5. It had a mild brown color with slight rough appearance providing a nutty flavor and a sweet taste. A nutrient analysis and microbial analysis were conducted for chickpea edible cups. Chickpea cup yields 76.53 kcal of energy along with 1.44g of protein, 0.87g of fat and 15.72g of carbohydrates. Microbial analysis ensured no contamination by raw materials utilized to prepare the cups. These edible cups are enticing for children which is packed with nutrition. The use of edible cups also addresses the concept of sustainability at a young age. This initiative will aid for raising a responsible youngster for the future generation. Thus, chickpea edible cup is a commixture of healthy snack for children and a sustainable product for the environment.
