In addition to gathering legume seeds to plant this year, such as various beans and peas to split, I wanted to plant lentils. We eat a lot of them here, and are so easy to cook, are high in protein, and are less "gassy" than beans. I found a source of blue lentils, but am having difficulties ordering from the source. I've looked all over for other lentils and can't find an heirloom or organic source so I've decided to take another route.
Long story short... I got my hands on organic green lentil seeds, and did an experiment to see if they would sprout. I took a few, placed them in a small container, and added just enough water to cover. Once they are soaked, I'm going to drain but keep moist, doing this for several days. If they sprout, they it stands to reason they will sprout in the dirt. If they don't, then my experiment has failed, and I'll try something else to get some lentil seeds to grow.
While I was googling, I found an article about a 4,000 year old lentil seed that had been found in an archaeological dig. It sprouted, after all this time. I wonder if it was taken further, allowed to grow and produce "babies", and thus re-start the line of such an incredible ancient HEIRLOOM legume.
Anyway... anybody out there grow lentils? Where did YOU get YOURS?
2 comments:
Please let me know how your experiment with the seeds turns out because I like them also and would like to grow my own.
Have you tried any of the following places:
http://www.wheatgrasskits.com/sprouting/french_lentil.htm
http://www.heirloom-organics.com/or/organiclentilseed.html
http://www.cherrygal.com/lentilbabyblueheirloomseed2009new-p-12117.html
The experiment didn't go so well. I guess I got them too wet and they turned to mush.
CherryGal is the place where I found the blue lentil seeds, but found her payment system a little constricting. I found some through seedsavers.com assuming one becomes a member, which I did. I always prefer heirloom seeds, so although I haven't had time to peruse the SS varieties, I hope to do so on Tue or Wed. Thanks. Vikki
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