---

SMART SHOPPING: Lentils

---

Lentils come in various sizes and colors, and the differences in flavor and texture are surprisingly distinct. Lentilles du Puy are smaller than the more common brown and green varieties and take their name from the city of Puy in central France. They are dark olive green in color and boast a “rich, earthy flavor” and “firm yet tender texture.” Brown lentils are larger and have a uniform brown color and a “light and earthy flavor”; green lentils are similar in size to the brown but are greenish brown in color and have a very “mild flavor.” Red lentils are very small, have an orange-red hue, and disintegrate completely when cooked; yellow lentils are also small, brightly colored, and break down completely when cooked. Red and yellow lentils are frequently used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.