“The Untold Story of Lentils: The Forgotten Crop that Shaped Human Society”
In the annals of history, certain crops have taken center stage, celebrated for their contributions to human society. Wheat and barley, for example, are often hailed as some of the first plants domesticated during the advent of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent region. However, there is another crop that has been overshadowed by its grainy counterparts – the humble lentil. Despite its vital role in shaping human civilization, the lentil’s impact has been largely overlooked. But archaeologists are unearthing a forgotten narrative that highlights the significance of this legume.
Archaeological excavations at the ancient settlement of Gurga Chiya in Iraqi Kurdistan have revealed a fascinating tale. The abandoned settlement’s chambers were filled with dirt over thousands of years, and upon closer inspection, it became evident that these chambers were packed with lentils. Archaeologist Mary Shepperson describes the discovery, stating, “The lower 30cm (12in) of the room fill is black with lentils; large parts are pretty much 100% lentil.” This finding is not an isolated incident – similar lentil caches have been found throughout the Middle East. In fact, over a million lentils were uncovered at a site in Israel dating back 10,000 years.
While wheat and barley have taken the spotlight as early domesticated crops, lentils were cultivated alongside them. Hugo R Oliveira, a geneticist at the Universidade do Algarve in Portugal, explains that civilizations across the world turned to agriculture as a means of sustenance. In each case, a cereal and a legume formed the foundation of their agricultural practices. For instance, Mesoamerica relied on maize and beans, West Africa on sorghum and cowpeas, East Asia on rice and soybeans, and the Middle East on wheat, barley, and lentils. This pairing was crucial as cereals provided quick energy through carbohydrates, while legumes offered protein – accounting for around 25% of lentils’ calories. In ancient Middle Eastern societies, lentils were a primary source of protein, surpassing the importance of meat or animal products in most diets.
Interestingly, this nutritional significance still holds true today. Oliveira remarks, “In the developed world, we tend to think the main source of protein is meat. But in low and middle-income countries, the main source of protein is still plant-based.” The Ancient Egyptians likely followed a similar dietary pattern, as the construction of the pyramids was fueled by lentils, peas, and chickpeas. Lentils continue to play a vital role in providing protein for many people around the world.
To unravel the journey of lentils from wild plants to a cornerstone of civilization, Oliveira and his colleagues conducted DNA sequencing on domesticated lentils stored in gene banks, as well as various wild relatives. Their findings revealed that today’s cultivated lentils are descendants of a single wild species known as Lens orientalis. The process of domestication occurred in the Fertile Crescent region, although the exact location of the first cultivation remains unknown. Additionally, the DNA data obtained from this study may aid researchers in identifying genetic traits such as resistance to extreme heat and diseases.
Plant breeders are increasingly turning to wild relatives of crops to incorporate desirable traits. For example, potato breeders in Peru have developed a variety resistant to late blight by incorporating genes from wild potatoes. Similarly, a drought-tolerant wheat variety has been created through crossbreeding in Morocco, where prolonged droughts have severely impacted water reservoirs. As the world grapples with the need to reduce climate impact, lentils have the potential to regain their prominence. The UK’s Climate Change Committee advocates for a 20% reduction in meat and dairy consumption by 2030, encouraging the adoption of plant-based foods. Lentils, being a rich source of protein, can play a significant role in this shift.
The production of lentils has seen a significant increase in Europe between 2017 and 2021, according to the Dutch governmental agency CBI. However, the demand still outpaces domestic production, necessitating imports to meet the shortfall. Farmers in Britain are even venturing into lentil cultivation, despite its labor-intensive nature. The changing climate poses new challenges for farmers and breeders, necessitating accelerated plant breeding efforts. Oliveira believes that by incorporating traits from wild lentil relatives, such as disease resistance and adaptability to harsh environmental conditions, domesticated varieties can be fortified. He emphasizes the untapped potential of this crop, stating, “There’s a lot of biodiversity that has not been tapped.”
Perhaps, in the future, our cupboards will once again be filled with these little legumes. Thousands of years from now, archaeologists may marvel at the abundance of lentils preserved on our shelves. Lentils have played an integral role in human history, and their story continues to unfold as
