Organic French Lentils

Milanese milling

Meunerie Milanaise is a family-run business. All the grains we use come from organic farms, i.e. using only compost, green manure and healthy crop rotations to maintain high soil fertility.

Organic French lentils

French lentils, also known as "du Puyare dark greenish-brown in color and have a very firm texture. Lentils originated in Central Asia, where they have been eaten since prehistoric times. In fact, they were one of the first legumes to be domesticated by man. There are dozens of varieties of legume, classified according to shape (oval, flat or heart-shaped) and color (black, yellow, red, orange, brown or green). Lentils are an excellent source of folic acid and potassium. They are also a good source of iron and phosphorus, and contain magnesium, zinc, thiamine, copper, niacin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid.

Benefits

Cultivated for its edible seeds, lentils belong to the Fabaceae family. It is particularly well adapted to cool, dry climates. Lentils grow in a pod in pairs of two round, rather flattened lentils.

Lentils come in a variety of varieties: brown, green, red, pink and yellow. The most common of these is the brown lentil, found both canned and dried.

Green lentils come in three sizes: small, medium and large. In cooking, lentils belong to the legume family, i.e. pulses consumed for their high nutritional value, especially in terms of vegetable protein, iron and dietary fiber.

To the taste, lentils have a rather fibrous texture and a rather neutral aroma. Of all legumes, lentils are certainly the most widely consumed around the world.

Thanks to their high plant protein content, lentils can be considered a meat substitute in vegetarian diets. For optimal assimilation of plant proteins, lentils are eaten as part of a meal that also includes cereals or animal proteins.

Lentils are also suitable for people with celiac disease, as they are gluten-free. Thanks to their high folic acid (vitamin B9) content, lentils are highly recommended for pregnant women and for the prevention of colon and uterine cancer. Lentils are packed with antioxidants, phytochemicals that counter the effects of free radicals on the body's cells.

Studies suggest that regular consumption of the antioxidants found in lentils can help prevent and treat a number of chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes (mainly type 2), hypertension, coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease.

Rich in fiber and minerals, lentils are an important part of a healthy diet. They provide complex carbohydrates that release energy over a long period, while being virtually fat-free.

What to eat

• Use as a substitute for ground meat, or enjoy in chili, salad, soup or pasta.
• Use your imagination, and remember that they keep their shape!

Cooking

First, wash the legumes in plenty of water to remove any floating lentils or small rocks. Cook in water for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until tender to the bite. Avoid overcooking, as they will turn into a purée.

Ingredients:

Organic French lentils.