A good source of protein, chickpeas, known to some as garbanzo beans, were cultivated about 7,000 years ago and brought to the Middle East by ancient Phoenicians. Today, chickpeas have gained renown for being the base of many hummus dips. Though classic mild salsas are still one of the most popular dips for snacking, hummus is gaining popularity world wide. Research from 2010 shows that sales of hummus consumption hit almost $300 million in the United States alone; an increase of 35 percent over a 21 month period.

The most basic hummus recipes often consist of pureed chickpeas, lemon juice garlic, a little oil and a paste made from sesame seeds called tahini. In addition to basic versions, some hummus brands also offer varieties that include other ingredients like roasted red peppers or other various spices. Many brands that make versions of classic mild salsa have also been branching out and making hummus too.

While hummus is most often used as a satisfying dip for vegetables and bread, it can also make a great sandwich spread. Hummus can also be served with other dips like classic mild salsas to add interesting flavor and texture combinations. There are also numerous recipes using hummus as an ingredient. For a cross cultural experience, you could try spreading hummus over a pizza crust instead of a tomato sauce and then top it with a classic mild salsa and some cheese.

Apart from being a tasty, versatile food hummus also has a variety of vitamins and minerals. A single serving can contain as much as 1 percent of the recommended daily value of potassium, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin B6. In addition to classic mild salsas, hummus can be a healthy component in any diet. Vegetarians especially may want to consider hummus as a substitute for animal meat when searching for sources of lean protein.