Beluga Lentil

What Is Beluga Lentil?

Beluga lentil (Lens culinaris) is a small, round lentil variety with a glossy black hull. Its name comes from its resemblance to beluga caviar's black eggs. Originally grown in Canada as animal feed, it has over time become a gourmet ingredient in kitchens.

Thanks to its thick hull, it largely retains its shape and color when boiled; this trait makes it a particularly preferred lentil variety in salad and garnish recipes.

Nutritional Values of Beluga Lentil

Since beluga lentil belongs botanically to the same species as other lentil varieties (Lens culinaris), its nutrient profile is similar; 100 g boiled provides approximately ~116 kcal of energy, ~9 g plant-based protein, and ~7.9 g fiber (approximate value, based on the average of lentil varieties). It is also a legume rich in iron and folate.

What Are the Benefits of Beluga Lentil?

With its high fiber and plant-based protein content, beluga lentil is a standout legume as part of a balanced diet. The relationship of its dark hull color to antioxidant compounds is the subject of various studies; these findings have not yet turned into a definitive health recommendation.

This information is general; beluga lentil is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Beluga Lentil?

Quality beluga lentil should have a dark, glossy black, homogeneous, and unbroken bean.

• Beans should be uniform in size and glossy; a dulled color is a sign of staleness.
• There should be a low proportion of dust or broken beans at the bottom of the package.
• It should not carry a moldy smell or moisture marks.

How to Store Beluga Lentil?

Dried beluga lentil stays fresh in a closed container in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 1 year. The boiled form can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Using Beluga Lentil in the Kitchen

Beluga lentil is generally boiled and used in salads, garnishes, and meze plates; it is also visually striking since it retains its shape.

How Is Beluga Lentil Cooked?

After washing, the beans are boiled in plenty of water without needing to soak, then simmered over low heat for 20-25 minutes, to remain firm.

How Is Beluga Lentil Salad Made?

Boiled and cooled lentils are mixed with red onion, parsley, goat cheese, and a lemon-olive oil dressing to prepare a light and elegant meze salad.

Which Recipes Use Beluga Lentil?

Beluga lentil salad, boiled lentil served as a garnish alongside meat, lentil buddha bowl, and meze plates are the most common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between beluga lentil and regular lentil?

Although they belong to the same species (Lens culinaris), beluga lentil is smaller, round, and dark black in color; thanks to its thick hull, it retains its shape better than other varieties when cooked.

Why does beluga lentil have this name?

Its small, glossy, black appearance resembles the expensive caviar eggs obtained from the beluga fish, hence the name; it has no connection to caviar in taste.

Should beluga lentil be soaked?

Since its hull is intact, it is not required; it can be boiled directly after washing.

What is beluga lentil good for?

It is rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and iron; it is valuable as part of a balanced diet. It is a food; it does not claim to cure any illness.

Where is beluga lentil found?

In Turkey it can be found as dried beans in the gourmet legume sections of large supermarkets and from online sellers.