Everything You Need To Know About: Lentils

Lentils make the list as one of our special Future 50 Foods. Discover the nutritional value of lentils and how they can be used in your next dish.

Origins:
Lentils are thought to have originated in regions around North Africa and Asia.

Sustainability:
A cousin of the pea, the humble lentil requires very little water to grow – with a carbon footprint 43 times lower than that of beef. It takes 13 000 litres of water to cultivate a kilogram of meat and just 1250 litres for the same amount of lentils!

All lentils are simple to cook. Pre-soak the lentils if necessary, then boil in water or stock with a 3 to 1 ration of water to lentils. Whole lentils take between 15 and 20 minutes to cook while split lentils only take 5 to 7 minutes.

Nutritional Value:
High in plant-based protein, lentils are perfect for those looking for sustainable ways to boost their protein intake. They are a naturally gluten-free, Low GI food and high in gut-healthy fibre. They are also a great source of neglected minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, both of which can be beneficial to your bone health.

As one of our Future 50 Foods, you can trust that lentils are good for you and better for the planet.