Lentils are small, edible seeds that grow on an annual plant with slender stems and branches. They are part of the bean family, Fabaceae, and are a protein-rich crop.
Appearance
- Lentil plants are pale green herbs that can grow up to 75 cm tall
- The main stem has a square cross section with many branches
- The leaves are formed of leaflets that grow in 5 to 10 pairs alternately along the stem
- Lentil flowers develop on a stem between the main stem and a leaf
Seeds
- Lentil seeds are generally lens-shaped but some microsperma types have rounder seeds
- The seed coat may be red, green, gray, brown, black, or mottled
- Cotyledons may be red, yellow, or green
Uses
- Lentils are harvested primarily as a dry, mature seed
- Immature pods are also used as a vegetable in India
Taste
- Lentils have an earthy flavor when cooked
Growing conditions
- Lentils are a drought-tolerant, cool-season crop
- They are usually grown in semi-arid climates without irrigation
- They grow best in deep, sandy loam soils
Cooking
- Lentils may be cooked on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker
- Cooked lentils often require thinning: adding more hot water or broth to the cooked legumes
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