Lentil cultivation occurs from the Near East to the Mediterranean, Asia, Europe, and in areas of the western hemisphere as well. Most lentil production in North America takes place in the Pacific Northwest, eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and up into western Canada, grown since the 1930’s as a rotation crop with wheat.
The next thing we asked ourselves was; where do lentil seeds come from?
In archaeobotanical excavations carbonized remains of lentil seeds have been recovered from widely dispersed places such as Tell Ramad in Syria (6250-5950 BC), Aceramic Beidha in Jordan, Hacilar in Turkey (5800-5000 BC), Tepe Sabz (Ita. Tepe Sabz) in Iran (5500-5000 BC) and Argissa-Magula Tessaly in Greece (6000-5000 BC), along other places.
What is a lentil?
The word lentil comes from the Latin lens, and indeed, this bean cousin is shaped like the double convex optic lens that took its name from the lentil. Lentil artifacts have been found on archeological digs on the banks of the Euphrates River dating back to 8,000 B. And there is evidence of the Egyptians, Romans, and Hebrews eating this legume.
Where do Lentils grow in the winter?
In West Asia and North Africa, some lentils are planted as a winter crop before snowfall. Plant growth occurs during the time of snow melting. Under such cultivation, seed yields are often much higher. The lentil requires a firm, smooth seedbed with most of the previous crop residues incorporated.
Why are lentils bad for you?
Summary Lentils contain antinutrients such as trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid, which reduce the absorption of some nutrients. Soaking and cooking lentils will minimize these, but regardless, you will still absorb the majority of your nutrients.
Are raw lentils bad for You?
Raw lentils, like other legumes, contain a protein called lectin that binds to your digestive tract and can result in several toxic reactions, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Lentils are a nutritious food choice, low in fat and high in protein and fiber. However, for some people, these legumes may be bad due to the following reasons:.
When stacked up against other beans, lentils are No. 2 in protein (soybeans take top honors). When combined with a whole grain, like brown rice, they can give you the same quality of protein as meat . But when you eat lentils instead of red or processed meat, you make a healthier choice for your heart.
The next thing we asked ourselves was; what are the health benefits of lentils?
The high magnesium content of lentils is beneficial to cardiovascular health because it improves blood flow in the body. Lentils have high iron content, making them a good source of energy. Lentils, which contain flavonoids, are beneficial in the prevention of cancer, particularly breast cancer .
Phytates are not a major concern on their own. But if you’re planning on eating beans or lentils as a large portion of your diet, then it’s worth knowing that you’re not actually absorbing a lot of the minerals.
What is the oldest known fossil of lentils?
The oldest known carbonized remains of lentil from Greece ‘s Franchthi Cave are dated to 11,000 BC. In archaeobotanical excavations carbonized remains of lentil seeds have been recovered from widely dispersed places such as Tell Ramad in Syria (6250-5950 BC), Aceramic Beidha in Jordan, Hacilar in Turkey (5800-5000 BC), Tepe Sabz (Ita.