Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) – A potential leafy vegetable of eastern India

Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.), locally known as “Khesari,” is extensively cultivated in Eastern parts of India, i.e., Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. This study focuses on the exploration, collection, and survey of grasspea as a leafy vegetable to revitalize traditional knowledge for practical applications. The data on collected grasspea samples (46 accessions) from five germplasm expedition missions were presented in the study. These were subjected to Garrett ranking and biochemical profiling along with organoleptic evaluation. The findings of the study elucidated the preference for grasspea consumption in the descending order: leafy vegetable > pulse > fodder > by-products/processed product. The nutritional profiling of leaves of selected accessions of grasspea was assessed for proximate parameters. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the use and preferences associated with grasspea consumption in Eastern India, paving the way for practical applications and the revival of traditional knowledge.