b'says. But when I became a parent, I became more interested in that side of cooking. Today, grains, legumes and lentils are what we now think of as plant-based cooking.Smith has observed that todays savvy consumers are seeking a more plant-based approach to food, which he says is becomingLentils are a good the new norm. choice when looking Consumers understand that the biggest thing they can do tofor a nutritional source have a real effect on the climate is through their food choices, heof protein that is says. Generation Z is pushing food trends, and they are lookinginexpensive and easy to get away from processed foods. to cook. Lentils are an obvious choice for consumers who are looking for a good nutritional source of protein that is simple and easy to cook with and inexpensive, says Smith. Lentils taste good, too. They have an earthy, warm meati-ness to them, he says. If you can cook rice, you can cook lentils. Lentils have the holy triotheyre inexpensive, healthy and convenient. nutrition is lost in the canning process, but the micronutrients and Smith notes that lentils are a favorite of consumers becausefiber are still there.they require low inputs so are seen as being good for the soil andSmith is also quick to point out that lentils have been a suc-environment. cess story for farmers, particularly in Canada. Cahill agrees, Consumers tend to stick with two basic kinds of lentils,noting that lentils are also being grown now in Colorado and Smith adds. Theres an old-fashioned green lentil, or red lentils,Nebraska. which are an awesome convenience food. Lentils have been a profitable crop in the Northern Plains for Red lentils can cook even faster than rice, so Smith says hequite a few years, Cahill says. The top four counties for grow-serves them in his home once or twice a month.ing lentils are in the northeastern corner of Montana and North You can toss green lentils into soups and stews or cook themDakota.together with brown rice for a quick, easy side dish, Smith says.In years to come, well have to see if lentils stand the test of Canned lentils may not be your first choice, because a littletime, or if their moment in the spotlight fizzle out.SW58/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2020'