The power of Lentils

One of the incredible but less widely spoken about benefits of lentils is their ability to fix nitrogen in soil.

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, and it is one of the primary components of fertilizers used in agriculture. However, the process of producing nitrogen fertilizers is energy-intensive and can have negative environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution.

Fortunately, there is a natural solution: legumes like lentils have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. This is possible because legumes form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria called Rhizobia. The Rhizobia live in nodules on the roots of the lentil plant and convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the plant can use for growth.

This ability to fix nitrogen has several benefits for the environment and for agriculture. First, it reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other negative impacts associated with fertilizer production. Second, it can improve soil health by increasing the amount of nitrogen available to plants and reducing the need for other fertilizers.

In addition to their environmental benefits, lentils are also an excellent source of nutrition. They are a rich source of protein, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent addition to any diet.

So, when you try our new Champagne Region Green Lentils, remember that these tiny legumes are not just nutritious, but also play an important role in fixing nitrogen in soil and promoting a more sustainable food system.