Bean Counters

A paper in the journal 'Frontiers of Sustainable Food Systems' calculated a measure, the 'Nutritional Density Unit', for different crop rotations in European farming (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/13/legumes-research-gets-flexitarian-pulses-racing-with-farming-guidance). The paper confirmed (no surprise) that, swapping cereals for leguminous plants, was the way to go. Peas, lentils, beans and chickpeas provided more nutrient-rich produce for both human and animal consumption. As legumes capture nitrogen from the air, they also reduce both the use of synthetic fertilisers and pollution. Changing farming practices in Europe (by using subsidies to reward legume growers?), would certainly help limit climate change.