Lentil

plants · seeds · healthy food

Tiny lens-shaped seeds. Lentils are seeds that grow inside small pods on bushy plants about as tall as your knee. Each pod usually holds just two seeds, and these seeds are shaped like little flat lenses, which is where they get their name.

A type of legume. Lentils are legumes, which means they're related to beans and peas. Like their cousins, lentils grow on plants and are packed with protein and fiber to keep your body strong and healthy.

Feeds billions of people. Lentils are one of the most important foods in the world, especially in India, Canada, and Turkey. About 25% of all the protein eaten by people in some countries comes from lentils and other legumes.

Many colorful varieties. Lentils come in different colors like red, green, brown, and black. Each type tastes a little different and takes different amounts of time to cook in soups and stews.

Ancient and modern food. People have been growing and eating lentils for over 13,000 years, making them one of the oldest cultivated crops alongside wheat and barley.