AbstractThis introductory chapter to this book on seed carbohydrates of grain legumes provides background information on the following subjects: the grain legumes; grain legume production; grain legume composition; and grain legume carbohydrates. A list is provided on the common grain legumes grown in the world and their uses. Data are tabulated on: the proportion of cultivated land used for legume production in different countries; grain legume yields by country; food and feed uses of grain legumes in the European Union; grain legume share in protein crops and protein requirement for animal production within the European Union; grain legumes used for animal feed in Europe; consumption of grain legumes for human nutrition; protein, oil and carbohydrate composition of grain legumes seeds; and carbohydrate composition of grain legumes.