These lentils are organically grown. Lentils are the dried seeds of the lentil plant. These plants need a lot of heat to produce flowers and pods. In our Dutch climate, these plants are best grown in a tunnel or in another warm, sheltered place. Lentils are rich in protein, various minerals and vitamin B. The plants bloom with small, white, bluish flowers before producing small, short, thick pods. The lentils eventually grow in these pods.
Lentils are very healthy and versatile. Lentils contain the following vitamins: A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B11, B12, C, D, E and K. And the minerals calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, sodium, selenium and zinc. They also contain a lot of fibre, carbohydrates and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. And very few calories. Fresh lentils must be dried thoroughly, after which they can be stored for at least a year in a dark, dry and frost-free place. Lentils can also be frozen after preparation. Lentils also have many health benefits such as: keeping you at a healthy weight, good for digestion, muscle building and maintenance and keeping your heart in good condition. Lentils can be boiled, steamed, stir-fried and added to soups, stews and salads. Lentils can also be used to make a spread for sandwiches, for example. It is possible to pre-soak lentils before preparation, this shortens the preparation time, but it is not necessary. Lentils are delicious in combination with: oregano, tomato puree, cheese, rice, pasta, crème fraîche, paprika, chilli powder, minced meat, beef, pork, chicken, Italian herbs, tuna, parsley and wraps. And with other vegetables such as: potatoes, chickpeas, spinach, garlic onion, carrot, tomatoes, peppers, spring onions, corn, other legumes, pointed peppers, leeks, cucumber, lettuce and broccoli.Annual. Not hardy annual. Height: 30 - 50 cm.
Soaking: 24 hours
Indoor sowing: February - mid April
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germination temperature: 16 - 20°C
Sowing depth: 1¼ - 2 cm
Planting distance: 10 - 15 cm
Plant position: sunny - glasshouse or heated glasshouse
Harvesting period: mid July - mid November
Sow indoors from February on in separate seedpots filled with well-moistened seed soil. Sow 2 seeds per pot in the middle and cover the seeds with a thick layer of seed soil, as lentils are dark sprouters. Cut out 1 weakest seedling per pot as soon as they are large enough to handle. Harden off the seedlings outdoors at the end of April - beginning of May. After 15 May you can put the plants outside in a sunny place or in an unheated greenhouse. To speed up germination, soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before sowing.
Give your plants extra water during germination and in dry periods. Provide a climbing frame to support your plants. As soon as the pods start to turn brown no more watering is needed. Harvest the plants whole and let them dry upside down in a dry place with air circulation. As soon as the pods are thoroughly dry, the lentils can be removed from the pods. These dry lentils can be stored for months in a cool, dark, frost-free place.
