Lentil

A lentil is a small annual legume in the pea family, most commonly referring to the cultivated species *Lens culinaris* and its edible seeds.

A lentil is a small annual legume in the pea family, most commonly referring to the cultivated species *Lens culinaris* and its edible seeds. Lentils are used as a food crop around the world, especially in soups, stews, and curries, and are valued for their protein and fibre content.

What it is

Lentil plants are small annual herbs with edible, lens-shaped seeds that grow in pods, usually two per pod. The term typically refers to *Lens culinaris*, a member of the Fabaceae (legume) family. Lentils are a pulse crop, meaning the dried edible seed of a legume.

Why it matters

Lentils are among the earliest domesticated crops, originating in the Fertile Crescent around 5,500 BC. They are now widely cultivated across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In Canada, lentils are a major crop, especially in western Canada, making the country one of the world’s top producers and exporters.

Key details

Lentils are rich in protein, dietary fibre, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin B. They are commonly eaten dried and cooked in soups, stews, and curries. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, West Asia, and North Africa.