Lentils

Where does Lentils grow?

Found in: Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Central Europe, Central America, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Europe, Fiji, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Himalayas, Hungary, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tasmania, Thailand, Tibet, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe

Notes: There are 4 Lens species. Biblical references: Genesis 25:29-34; 2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9

Status: It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. World production is about 1 million tons each year. It is an ancient crop.

Growing Lentils

Cultivation: Seed are sown where they are to grow. Plants are normally self pollinated but cross pollination can occur. In India it is often grown mixed with rice. When grown as a pure stand it can be broadcast or planted in rows.

Edible Uses: The seed are cooked or sprouted or eaten raw. Young seedpods can be cooked and eaten. The ground seed can be used with cereals. The seeds are often eaten in soups and stews. They are served as Dahl in India. Lentil flour can be mixed with cereal flour to bake bread. The sprouted seeds are eaten in salads, vegetable dishes and soups.

Production: Yields of 2 ton per hectare are possible. For sprouts the seeds are soaked for 12 hours in warm water then allowed to sprout for 5 days. Crops mature in about 3.5 months.

Nutrition Info

Lentils Photos

References

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