Lentils

Lentils are tiny seeds that grow inside pods on small plants. They come in colors like green, brown, red, and black. People have been eating lentils for thousands of years. Lentils are full of protein and help keep our bodies strong. They are a favorite food in many parts of the world.

How Lentils Grow

Lentil plants are short and bushy. Each plant grows many small pods. Inside each pod are one or two lentil seeds. Farmers pick the pods when they are dry. Then they take the seeds out to sell and cook.

Young lentil plants growing in a sunny field.
Young lentil plants growing in a sunny field. (Victor M. Vicente Selvas / Wikimedia Commons)

Cooking Lentils

Lentils cook faster than most other beans. You do not need to soak them first. People use lentils to make soups, stews, and curries. In India, a popular lentil dish is called dal. Lentils have a soft and tasty flavor.

Fun Facts

  • Lentils are one of the oldest foods ever grown by people.
  • A single cup of cooked lentils has about 18 grams of protein.
  • Canada grows more lentils than any other country in the world.

Did You Know?

Lentils were found in ancient tombs in Egypt. People ate them over 8,000 years ago!