legumerijke

Legumerijke is a Dutch neologism describing a condition, system, or diet that is rich in leguminous plants such as beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas. Etymology: legume + rijk ("rich" in Dutch).

In agriculture, legumerijke refers to soil or crop systems that prioritize legumes to exploit nitrogen-fixing abilities. In nutrition, it denotes diets with a high share of legumes as protein sources.

Usage: In farming, legumerijke crop rotations mix legumes with cereals to improve soil fertility and reduce synthetic fertilizer use. In dietary guidelines, legumerijke menus emphasize weekly portions of legumes. Benefits include improved soil health, reduced fertilizer needs, and increased plant-based protein; challenges include preparation time, anti-nutrients, and allergen considerations.

History: The term emerged in sustainability and dietary discourse in the late 20th to 21st century. See also: Legume, Crop rotation, Sustainable agriculture, Plant-based diet.