Bulgarian Pulse Use, Production Increasing

WASHINGTON Oct 22/14 - SNS -- Pulse consumption and production in Bulgaria is expected to grow through the next few years in response to rsing consumer interest and efforts by the government to encourage production.

Commenting on the situation, the U.S. agricultural attache for the country noted that dry beans and lentils are a traditional part of the local cuisine. "Bulgarian consumers consider both products nutritional, healthy and a good choice for family dining. Beans and lentils are preferred for at home consumption versus out of home.

In recent years retailers and HRI sector development offered the market a good choice of products of various origin, in new recipes and in new combinations with other foods. Although Bulgarians are rather conservative in their culinary choices, they like trying new variations of familiar products and in new formulations, if not drastically different from traditional products. Thus Pinto beans found a good market niche, along with some new types of lentils.