Everything You Need to Know About Beluga Lentils - Merchant Gourmet (2024)

FAQs

What is special about beluga lentils? ›

What's so great about them? Beluga lentils are high in dietary fibre and folates. Unlike green lentils, black lentils such as Beluga possess anthocyanins – the same powerful antioxidant found in dark berries like blueberries and blackberries. These antioxidants are great at preventing damage to cells by free-radicals.

Our natural ingredients are minimally processed to give you nothing but ground grown goodness that is better for your health. We create plant-based food that requires less of the planets resources to produce and store, and reduce food waste.

For best results, heat through in a pan with a dash of water. Otherwise, tear a 2cm opening at the top and microwave for 45s at 900w, or simply enjoy them cold. A recipe for changeFor quick and simple plant-based meatballs, add a glug of water to a handful of oats in a processor then blitz.

Beluga is a premium lentil that is higher in protein and fiber than regular lentils. It does not overcook and retains its shape. Plus, it doesn't even need to be soaked before cooking, saving you time.

Urad dal or black lentil is one of the most nutritious pulses known to mankind. Low in fat and calories, Urad dal helps to improve digestion.

A lentil is a small, flat, round edible seed. It's a member of the bean and pulse (legume) family, but is one of the quicker cooking members. Lentils can either be bought dried or canned but dried, they can't be eaten raw, they need to be cooked.

Processed Meats

Items such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and deli meats, are among the world's unhealthiest foods due to their high levels of salt, saturated fats, and additives.

Such thinking puts Merchant Gourmet – which specialises in minimally processed ingredients such as chestnuts, lentils, quinoa and mushrooms – in a perfect position. Peake says the pushback against ultra-processed foods has encouraged the brand to be “a bit clearer and bolder on that messaging”.

A cousin to the pea and a rich provider of protein and carbohydrates the lentil is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, iron and B vitamins – making it an important diet staple the world over.

Store dried lentils in an airtight container in the cupboard or in a cool dry place for up to one year. Cover and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Dried lentils that have been cooked can be kept covered in the fridge for 5-7 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

How do you store beluga lentils? ›

Dried black beluga lentils may be stored in an airtight container in your pantry. They will keep for quite some time (similar to dried beans). However these are so delicious you probably won't have to worry about that!

It's highly recommended that you rinse and sort lentils before cooking them. Because of their small size, plus how they are grown and harvested, they are particularly prone to having bits of grit and chaff clinging to them.

Lentils are high in fibre, and complex carbohydrates, while low in fat and calories. Their high protein content makes lentils a perfect option for those looking to boost their protein intake. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a delicious staple in a gluten-free kitchen.

And because black beluga lentils keep their shape well, they are excellent for meal prep. Keep them in an airtight container for up to a week, and add them to your favorite dishes when you need a boost of wholesome plant protein.

Beluga or black lentils are also known as the caviar of lentils as they hold their shape well and so look like the fish equivalent. They are easy to digest and a great source of protein, iron and fibre.

Belugas are known as the "canaries of the sea" because they produce many different sounds, including whistles, squeals, moos, chirps, and clicks. They rely on their hearing and ability to echolocate, using sound to navigate and hunt for prey. Belugas also have sharp vision in and out of water.

Black beluga lentils are small, glossy black legumes that have a delightful nutty, and slightly earthy, flavour and aroma.

AGT Foods is proud to introduce the King Red™ Lentil, the biggest and boldest lentil in the world. Available exclusively from AGT Foods as split and football, the King Red is the largest red lentil in the market today.

Black lentils are also known as beluga lentils since they resemble beluga caviar, the most prized of all caviar varieties. John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes.