Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for processing podded vegetables including green Cicer beans. Green Cicer beans are commonly referred to as chickpeas and come in two varieties, Desi-type and Kabuli-type. The Kabuli-type of chickpeas are commonly referred to as garbanzo beans. Until the present invention, there was no commercial method or apparatus for post-harvest processing of green Cicer beans. The present invention can relate not only to post-harvest processing of green Cicer beans but any podded produce where there is a need to separate unwanted material from the green produce. Apparatuses and methods of the present invention permit secondary processing of podded vegetables to increase overall grower yield. Additionally, methods according to the present invention, show desired dwell times and blanching temperatures for the deactivation of enzymes that can damage green produce or render it unsaleable.

Abstract: An agronomic system is disclosed for the commercial production of green Cicer beans wherein a relative risk of caramelization is determined based on geographical data, macro climate data, and micro climate data for a given locale. Relative risk of caramelization helps select acreage to be planted. Additionally, an agronomic system and method for cultivation and commercial production of the green Cicer bean is described herein for preferred row spacing and variety selections that are usable for the commercial production of the green Cicer bean. Prior to the present invention there were no agronomic methods or systems adapted for commercial production of the green Cicer bean. The agronomic systems and methods disclosed herein also help to adjust planting times based on growing degree day calculations for given parcels wherein harvesting of the green Cicer bean is in rhythm with processing plant capacity.

Abstract: A green cicer bean harvesting method and apparatus. A harvesting combine (100) comprises a threshing apparatus (130) including a rotatable cylindrical drum (132) with an apertured outer wall (134), a main beater (140) and a plurality of satellite beaters (144, 146, 148), and a conveyor system (120, 122, 124) for transporting de-podded beans to a hopper (111), and a pod net conveyor (126) that filters the beans entering the hopper. A return chute (128) returns podded beans from the pod net conveyor to the drum. The apertures in the drum increase in size from smaller apertures at the front of the drum to larger apertures at the rear of the drum. The combine, drum, and beater operating parameters and dimensions are selected to enable effective mechanical harvesting of green cicer beans.