Brief on Indian Lentils
India is one of the largest producers and exporters of lentils, offering a diverse range suited for various culinary and nutritional applications. Below are the major lentils exported from India:
1. Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)
Types: Whole (brown skin), Split (red/orange)
Color: Red or pink (when split)
Taste/Use Mild, cooks quickly; used in soups, stews, and Indian dals
Export Demand: High due to quick cooking and global appeal
2. Moong Dal (Green Gram)
Types: Whole (green skin), Split (yellow inside)
Color: Green (whole), Yellow (split)
Taste/Use: Light and easy to digest; popular in health foods, soups, and sprouts
3. Toor Dal (Pigeon Peas)
Also Known As: Arhar Dal
Color: Yellow
Taste/Use: Nutty flavor; a staple in Indian households; used in dals, curries
High in: Protein and iron
4. Urad Dal (Black Gram)
Types: Whole (black), Split (white inside)
Color: Black (whole), White (split)
Taste/Use: Creamy texture when cooked; essential for dosa, idli batter, and dals
5. Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram)
Made From: Desi chickpeas
Color: Yellow
Taste/Use: Nutty flavor; used in Indian curries, snacks, and flour production (besan)
6. Rajma (Kidney Beans)
Types: Red, Chitra (light brown speckled)
Taste/Use: Hearty and meaty texture; used in curries like Rajma Masala
7. Lobia (Black-Eyed Peas)**
Color: Cream with a black eye
Taste/Use**: Soft texture; used in stews, soups, and traditional Indian dishes
