Lentil (Lens culinaris)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Lens culinaris is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked or sprouted and eaten raw. A very nutritious food, the seeds can be cooked on their own or added to soups, stews etc. The seed can be soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then allowed to sprout for about 5 days. — Seed - cooked or sprouted and eaten raw.; A very nutritious food, the seeds can be cooked on their own or added to soups, stews etc.; The seed can be soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then allowed to sprout for about 5 days.; They have a crunchy, fresh flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in the wild. (Zone 7)