Lentils

Lentils – From Farm to Fork

Every time you sit down to enjoy a hot bowl of lentil soup, do you ever take a moment to appreciate how that small, edible seed got from the farm to your dinner plate?

This fascinating journey starts in the Middle East and is the result of centuries of work by farmers, scientists and traders. To explore what lies behind the creation and delivery of lentils to your plate, let’s start at the source - the farm.

How Are Lentils Grown?

Unlike many other crops, lentils do not need to be planted in furrows or a field. They are, as described by the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, “Small, bushy plants that produce edible seeds.” Growing lentils can vary dependent on the species, but they are all generally cold-hardy perennials that can resist the extreme winds, cold, and dry conditions associated with most lentil-producing areas.

The process of growing lentils begins with the selection of a cultivar for the local climate, soil type, and water availability. The selection of an appropriate cultivar is vital for the farmer, as it will determine the size, shape and colour of the final lentil crop. The chosen lentils are then planted—either manually or using a no-till seeder—and the farmer will water and nurture the plants throughout their growth cycle.

Once the plants are ready for harvest, a specialized lentil harvester is usually used to take the crop from the fields. The harvested lentils contain the pods and some of the plant’s stems and leaves; these loose impurities must be removed before the lentils can be considered market worth. In some cases, the farmer might employ a combine to separate the lentils from the pods, but in other cases, a simple threshing system is adequate.

Processing and Packaging

Once the lentils are threshed, the next step in their long journey is to the factory. Here the lentils must be processed, cleaned and sorted. The first step is to separate the lentils from any remaining plant material, stones and other non-edible matter. This is done through a number of sieving devices, often with each device being responsible for separating out different particles size.

The separated lentils then travel through a number of further processing stages, depending on the desired end product. For lentils destined for the market as a whole grain product, the next task is to eliminate any weeds, mud, immature lentils and damaged grain. This involves the use of air-sensing equipment and color sorters to separate the desirable from the undesirable.

The cleaned, processed and sorted lentils are then carefully weighed and packed. Smaller supermarkets and eco-friendly brands may choose to package the lentils by hand into dine bags tied with string. Alternatively, the lentils may be placed in larger bulk bags and cartons, ready to be delivered to ports and customers.

The Distribution Network

The bags of lentils are now ready to grow, and the distribution network of farmers, suppliers and traders sets off into motion. If the lentils are to be exported, they are typically loaded onto large cargo ships or even railways, bound for ports around the world. If they are to be sold domestically, they may be transported by truck or by train.

As the lentils continue on their way to their destination, they pass through a variety of different stages of the trading network. The lentils may be sold and bought many times over before arriving at the market, each time changing hands and incurring new costs. At each step of the way, the lentils may also be subjected to quality control requirements and regulations, depending on the country in which they are sold.

Finally, the distribution process culminates with the delivery of the lentils to the store or market of their desired destination. Here, the lentils will be identified with their country of origin and a price tag that reflects the full cost of their production and transportation.

Lentils are often considered a staple food across many cultures around the globe, but many are unaware of the complex journey they take before arriving on their plate. From the selection of a suitable cultivar, to the cleaning process and sorting, right through to their thousands of miles long journey, each of the steps taken results in you enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal.

Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Indian Dal, a succulent Spanish stew or simply indulging in a simple bowl of lentil soup, take a moment to recognise the hard-work, energy and passion that have gone into the production of this ancient crop.