Chana

the desi (meaning country or local in hindi) is also known as bengal gram or kala chana. Kabuli (meaning from kabul in hindi, since they were thought to have come from afghanistan when first seen in india) or safed chana is the kind widely grown throughout the mediterranean. Desi is likely the earliest form since it closely resembles seeds found both on archaeological sites and the wild plant ancestor of domesticated chanas (cicer reticulatum) which only grows in southeast turkey, where it is believed to have originated. Desi chanas have a markedly higher fiber content than kabulis and hence a very low glycemic index which may make them suitable for people with blood sugar problems. [7] the desi type is used to make chana dal, which is a split chana with the skin removed.