Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) - a potential leafy vegetable of eastern India

Abstract Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) locally known as “Khesari” was extensively cultivated in Eastern parts of India i.e. Eastern U.P, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. This study focuses on the exploration, collection, and survey of grasspea as leafy vegetable with the aim of revitalizing 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 garret ranking and biochemical profiling along with organoleptic evaluation. The findings of the study elucidated that the preference of grasspea consumption in the descending order: leafy vegetable > pulse > fodder > by-products/ processed product. The nutritional profiling of leaves of selected accessions of grasspea were assessed for proximate parametrs. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into use and preferences associated with grasspea consumption in Eastern India, paving the way for practical applications and the revival of traditional knowledge.