I’m Not Quite Finished Talking about Lentils…

… because honestly, there are things I simply MUST share with you.

In my last post Love Your Lentils! (Why? Because They’re Delish!) I revealed many reasons why I’m in love with the tiny legumes – including their taste, versatility, and of course, nutritional profile. (Just 100 grams of green lentils packs in a whole day’s worth of the fibre and 50% of your daily iron needs. #yesplease)

Today, I’m back to share 10 eyebrow-raising facts about Canadian Lentils. Trust me, you totally didn’t see this one coming.

Facts on Canadian Lentils

1. There are 8.5 grams of fibre and 7 grams of protein in just half a cup of cooked Canadian lentils.
2. Canadian Lentils are an excellent source of folate and iron, and a good source of selenium and zinc.
3. The most common types of lentils grown in Canada are green and red. Also grown in Canada are black Beluga and French Green or Du Puy lentils.
4. Canada produces 67 per cent of the world’s lentil supply. (!!!)
5. In 2011, over 2.55 million acres of lentils were planted in Canada by over 5,000 lentil growers.
6. Canada is the world’s leading exporter of lentils, exporting a total value of $872,956,572 in lentils in 2011.
7. Canada only begun growing lentils in 1970, meaning it is a relatively new crop to Canada.
8. Saskatchewan is the largest lentil growing province, accounting for 95 per cent of total Canadian production.
9. India is the biggest importer of Canadian lentils.
10. Lentil growing originated from the wild lentils that still grow in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries.

Okay, raise your hand if you previously knew that Canada produces 2/3 of the world’s lentils. Like WTH?! How is it possible that we’ve been quietly farming and exporting these nutrient-packed flavour bubbles – to the tune of over $872 million annually – without some great fan fare or hoopla?

Time to change that.

Show everyone how much you #LoveLentils by visiting www.loveyourlentils.ca. Notable chefs across Canada have submitted their best dishes featuring the famed legume – all you have to do is vote for your favourite (you can do this once per day!) and you’ll be entered to win this faboosh prize:

“On Saturday, August 4th, Food Day Canada, one very lucky voter and guest will join Chef Michael Smith for a culinary adventure on and off Prince Edward Island as he sets sail with a bag of lentils and a boatful of local farmers, fishers, distillers and culinary artisans. Gather a bounty of special ingredients with him from his favourite farms, distilleries and oyster beds. Then join him as he prepares a feast of unique local ingredients paired with the world’s best lentils and celebrates his personal Food Day Canada!”

Let me show you how to love lentils long time – with one of fave recipes for lentil soup.

Delicious Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham

1 cup dried lentils
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced cooked ham
1/2 teaspoon each dried basil, thyme. oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 can stewed tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water

In a slow cooker combine all the ingredients above. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Discard the bay leaf before serving. Serves 4-6.

This post is sponsored by Canadian Lentils. The opinions on this blog are my own. And, I happen to #LoveLentils.