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Lentil

A lentil is a small annual legume in the pea family, most commonly referring to the cultivated species *Lens culinaris* and its edible seeds.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A lentil is a small annual legume in the pea family, most commonly referring to the cultivated species *Lens culinaris* and its edible seeds. Lentils are used as a food crop around the world, especially in soups, stews, and curries, and are valued for their protein and fibre content. The plant is associated with the Mediterranean, West Asia, and North Africa, and was domesticated in the Fertile Crescent thousands of years ago.

Description

Lentil plants are small annual legumes with edible, lens-shaped seeds that grow in pods, usually with two seeds per pod. The term usually refers to *Lens culinaris*, although older sources may list related synonyms.

Cultivation and history

Lentils were domesticated in the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East around 5,500 BC. They are now cultivated widely, especially in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Nutrition and uses

Lentils are commonly eaten dried and cooked, and they are used in soups, stews, curries, and other dishes. They are noted for being rich in protein, fibre, iron, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

Botanical classification

Lentils belong to the family Fabaceae, also known as the pea or legume family. They are a pulse crop, meaning the dried edible seed of a legume.

Key facts

  • Lentils are both the plant and its edible seeds.
  • They are among the earliest domesticated crops, with origin in the Fertile Crescent.
  • Lentils are widely cultivated across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
  • The seeds are commonly cooked in soups, stews, and curries.
  • Lentils are a major source of plant protein and dietary fibre.
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Canadian context

Lentils are an important Canadian crop, especially in western Canada, where Canada is one of the world’s major producers and exporters.

Frequently asked questions

What is a lentil?
A lentil is a small legume plant and its edible lens-shaped seed, usually referring to *Lens culinaris*.
Are lentils beans?
No. Lentils and beans are both legumes, but lentils are a separate type of pulse crop.
Where do lentils come from?
Lentils were first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent and are native to the Mediterranean region, West Asia, and North Africa.
What are lentils used for?
They are cooked and eaten in dishes such as soups, stews, and curries, and are also used as animal fodder in some places.
Why are lentils considered nutritious?
They are a good source of protein, dietary fibre, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin B.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/lentil-plant
    Supports: Scientific name, plant description, uses, and nutrition
  2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — https://www.kew.org/plants/lentil
    Supports: Domestication history and origin
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/plants/plants/lentil
    Supports: Plant family, growth habit, and native range
  4. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lentil
    Supports: Definition of lentil as plant and seed