While lentils were first grown in Asia thousands of years ago, Canada is now the world’s number one producer and exporter of lentils, with Saskatchewan being the leading producer in the country.
Lentils are part of the pulse family and while they take many different shapes and forms, the ones most commonly used by Canadians are large green lentils and split red lentils. Since split lentils cook more quickly, they are often used in curries, soups and purées. Whole lentils typically work well for things like salads.
Lentils are an excellent food choice with health-promoting benefits and their key nutrients include complex carbohydrates. In fact, lentils are very high in fibre with 15 grams of dietary fibre per cup! They are also a good source of vegetable protein, folate and other vitamins and minerals like potassium and iron. All of which support a healthy diet.
Technology plays an important role in the success of lentil production in Canada. Since the plant has a shallow root system, it does not compete well against weeds. As part of an integrated pest management system, farmers have access to herbicides to control weeds when necessary and ensure a healthy crop. Canadian farmers also have access to herbicide tolerant lentils, which improve weed control by allowing farmers to apply an herbicide to control weeds without harming the crop.