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Lentil
The '''lentil''' or '''daal''' or '''pulse''' (''Lens culinaris'') is a bushy annual plant of the Fabaceae|legume family, grown for its lens-shaped seeds. It is about 15 inches tall and the seeds grow in pods, usually with two seeds in each.
Background
The plant originated in the Near East, and has been part of the human diet since the aceramic (non-pottery producing) Neolithic times, being one of the Neolithic founder crops|first crops domesticated in the Near East. With 26% protein, lentils have the third highest level of protein from any plant-based food after soybeans and hemp, and is an important part of the diet in many parts of the world, especially in Nepal and India, which have large vegetarianism|vegetarian populations.
A variety of lentils exists with colors that range from yellow to red-orange to green, brown and black. Red, white and yellow lentils are decorticated, i.e., they have their skins removed. There are large and small varieties of many lentils (e.g., Masoor Lentils). Lentils are sold in many forms, with or without the skins, whole or split.
Culturally, other pulses are sometimes called lentils but are actually beans or peas, e.g. "black lentils" (Urad (bean)|urad beans).
Types
- Brown/Spanish Pardina
- French Green/Puy (Dark speckled blue-green)
- Green
- Black/Beluga
- Yellow/Tan Lentils (Red inside)
- Red Chief (Decorticated yellow lentils)
- Eston Green (Small green)
- Richlea (Medium green)
- Laird (Large green)
- Petite Golden (Decorticated lentils)
- Masoor (Brown-skinned lentils which are red inside)
- Petite Crimson/Red (Decorticated masoor lentils)
- Macachiados (Big Mexican yellow lentils)
Preparation
The seeds have a short cooking time (especially for small varieties with the husk removed, such as the common red lentil) and a distinctive earthy flavor. Lentils are used to prepare an inexpensive and nutritious soup all over Europe and Americas|North and South America, sometimes combined with some form of chicken or pork. They are frequently combined with rice, which has a similar cooking time. A lentil and rice dish is referred to in the Middle East as ''mujaddara'' or ''mejadra''. Rice and lentils are also cooked together in khichdi, a popular Indian dish. Lentils are used throughout India, the Mediterranean regions and the Middle East. In rare cases the lentils are mixed with dairy cheese.
A large percentage of Indians are Vegetarianism|vegetarian and lentils have long been part of the indigenous diet as a common source of protein. Usually, lentils are boiled to a stew-like consistency with vegetables and then seasoned with a mixture of spices to make many side dishes such as sambar (dish)|sambar, rasam and dal, which are usually served over rice and roti.
When lentils are prepared, they are first inspected for damaged lentils, stones and other foreign matter. Then they are rinsed until the water runs through and comes out clear. Some prefer to soak the lentils for an extended time and discard the water. This removes substances that may cause indigestion. The lentils are then boiled in water or broth. They may be cooked on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker. Pressure cookers are not recommended, since the small lentils may clog the pressure relief valve, and their quick cooking time means there is little benefit from pressure cooking. Cooked lentils often require thinning: adding more hot water or broth to the cooked legumes until the desired final consistency is reached.
Nutritional value and health benefits
Lentils contain high levels of proteins, including the essential amino acids isoleucine and lysine.http://www.glisonline.com/aminoacids.php Lentils are deficient in two essential amino acids, methionine and cystine.http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/alt-ag/lentil.htm
Apart from a high level of proteins, lentils also contain dietary fiber, Folate, vitamin B1, and minerals. Red (or pink) lentils contain a lower concentration of fiber than green lentils (11% rather than 31%).[USDA nutrient database] ''Health'' magazine has selected lentils as one of the five healthiest foods.Iron content
Lentils are one of the best vegetable sources of Human iron metabolism|iron. This makes them an important part of a vegetarian diet, and useful for preventing iron deficiency (medicine)|iron deficiency. Iron is particularly important for adolescents, pregnant women, whose requirements for it are increased.Production
Lentils are relatively tolerant to drought and are grown throughout the world. About half of the worldwide production of lentils is from India, most of which is consumed in the domestic market. Canada is the largest export producer of lentils in the world and Saskatchewan is the most important producing region in Canada. The Palouse Region of Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle, with its commercial center at Moscow, Idaho, constitutes the most important producing region in the United States.References
- Alan Davidson (food writer)|Alan Davidson, ''The Oxford Companion to Food''. ISBN 0-19-211579-0
Footnotes
Further reading
- S S Yadav et al. ''Lentil: An Ancient Crop for Modern Times''. (2007). Springer Verlag. ISBN 9781402063121.
External links
- Extrusion method developed for tasty lentil snacks
- All types of lentils & uses
- Information on Cooking Lentils
- Lentils - Country Production, Consumption, Exports, and Imports Statistics
- Alternative Field Crops Manual: Lentil
Category:Faboideae
Category:Edible legumes
simple:Lentil
Related Images- Illustration of the lentil plant, 1885
- Lentil output in 2005
Sources: StartLearningNow, Wikipedia | Usage license: GNU FDL
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