Masoor dal, also called red lentils, is a type of lentil that is used widely in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines. The lentil has a pinkish-red colour and a sweet and nutty flavour. It is a good source of protein, fibre, iron, and other nutrients. Masoor dal is commonly used to make soups, stews, curries, and side dishes.
ARHAR DAL
Also known as Toor Dal, it is a popular lentil variety widely used in Indian cuisine. The yellowish-brown lentil is a rich source of protein, fibre, and carbohydrates. Arhar dal has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour and is commonly used to make dal tadka, sambar, and other lentil-based dishes.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Place of origin: India, Myanmar, and Tanzania
Global exports of Arhar dal in 2022: $2.2 billion.
India is the largest exporter of Arhar dal, accounting for 36% of the global market share.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Rich in protein
Arhar dal is a good source of plant-based protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.
Good for heart health
Arhar dal is high in fibre and low in fat, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
May aid in weight loss
Arhar dal is low in calories and high in fibre, which can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake.
MASOOR DAL
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Place of origin: India, Canada, and Turkey.
Global exports of Masoor dal in 2022: $1.5 billion.
India is the largest exporter of Masoor dal, accounting for 40% of the global market share.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Good for digestion
Masoor dal is a good source of fibre, which can help promote digestive health.
May improve heart health
Masoor dal contains compounds that have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Rich in folate
Masoor dal is a good source of folate, which is important for healthy fetal development during pregnancy.
MOONG DAL
Moong dal, also known as mung beans, is a small green lentil that is commonly used in Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is a good source of protein, fibre, and other nutrients. Moong dal has a mild, earthy flavour and is used to make dal, khichdi, sprouts, and other dishes.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Place of origin: India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Global exports of Moong dal in 2022: $892 million.
India is the largest exporter of Moong dal, accounting for 41% of the global market share.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Good for weight loss
Moong dal is low in calories and high in protein and fibre, which can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake.
May improve digestion
Moong dal is a good source of fibre, which can help promote digestive health.
Rich in antioxidants
Moong dal is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
URAD DAL
Urad dal, also known as black gram, is a small black lentil that is widely used in Indian cuisine. It is a good source of protein, fibre, and other nutrients. Urad dal has a creamy texture and a mild flavour. It is used to make dal makhani, idlis, dosas, and other dishes.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Place of origin: India, Myanmar, and Brazil.
Global exports of Urad dal in 2022: $732 million.
India is the largest exporter of Urad dal, accounting for 55% of the global market share.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Good for bone health
Urad dal is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone health.
May aid in digestion
Urad dal is a good source of fibre, which can help promote digestive health.
May improve heart health
Urad dal contains compounds that have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
CHANA DAL
Chana dal, also known as split Bengal gram, is a small yellow lentil that is widely used in Indian cuisine. It is a good source of protein, fibre, and other nutrients. Chana dal has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour and is used to make dal, soups, stews, and side dishes.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Place of origin: India, Canada, and Turkey.
Global exports of Chana dal in 2022: $596 million.
India is the largest exporter of Chana dal, accounting for 67% of the global market share.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Good for digestion
Chana dal is a good source of fibre, which can help promote digestive health.
May improve heart health
Chana dal contains compounds that have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Rich in protein
Chana dal is a good source of plant-based protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.
BLACK CHICKPEA
Black chickpea, also known as Kala chana, is a type of chickpea that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is a good source of protein, fibre, and other nutrients. Black chickpea has a nutty and earthy flavour and is used to make curries, salads, and snacks.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Place of origin: India, Ethiopia, and Mexico.
Global exports of black chickpea in 2022: $234 million.
India is the largest exporter of black chickpea, accounting for 80% of the global market share.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Rich in protein
Black chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
Good for heart health
Black chickpeas contain compounds that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
May aid in weight management
Black chickpeas are high in fibre, which can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake.
HORSE GRAM
Horse gram is a type of lentil that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is a good source of protein, fibre, iron, and other nutrients. Horse gram has a nutty and earthy flavour and is used to make soups, stews, and curries.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Place of origin: India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.
Global exports of horse gram in 2022: $54 million.
India is the largest exporter of horse gram, accounting for 70% of the global market share.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Rich in protein
Horse gram is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
May aid in weight management
Horse gram is high in fibre, which can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake.
May have anti-diabetic properties
Horse gram has been shown to have anti-diabetic properties, which may help regulate blood sugar levels.
BLACK-EYED BEANS
Black-eyed beans, also known as Lobia, are a type of legume that is commonly used in African and Southern United States cuisines. They are a good source of protein, fibre, and other nutrients. Black-eyed beans have a creamy texture and a mild flavour and are used to make stews, soups, and salads.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Place of origin: Africa, Asia, and North America.
Global exports of black-eyed beans in 2022: $137 million.
Nigeria is the largest exporter of black-eyed beans, accounting for 33% of the global market share.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Rich in protein
Black-eyed beans are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
Good for heart health
Black-eyed beans contain compounds that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
May aid in weight management
Black-eyed beans are high in fibre, which can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake.
WHITE AND GREEN PEAS (VATANA)
White and green peas, also known as vatana, are a type of legume that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. They are a good source of protein, fibre, and other nutrients. White and green peas have a slightly sweet and nutty flavour and are used to make curries, stews, and soups.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Place of origin: India, Canada, and the United States.
Global exports of white and green peas in 2022: $266 million.
Canada is the largest exporter of white and green peas, accounting for 36% of the global market share.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Rich in protein
White and green peas are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
May aid in weight management
White and green peas are high in fibre, which can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake.
Good for heart health
White and green peas contain compounds that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Chickpeas (Chole) / White Peas
in Indian cuisine. They have a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavour that makes them a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes. White peas are an excellent source of protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
White peas can be used to make a variety of dishes, such as curries, stews, and soups. They can also be added to salads or used as a topping for baked potatoes. In addition, white peas can be ground into flour and used to make snacks such as papadums and fritters.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Place of origin: India, China, and Myanmar.
Global exports of white peas in 2022: $96 million.
China is the largest exporter of white peas, accounting for 39% of the global market share.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Rich in protein
White peas are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
May aid in weight management
White peas are high in fibre, which can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake.
May have anti-inflammatory properties
White peas contain compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Turkish/Dew Gram Beans {Matki or Moth Beans}
Turkish/Dew gram beans, also known as matki or moth beans, are a small, oval-shaped legume that is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. They have a nutty flavour and a creamy texture that makes them a popular ingredient for stews, curries, and salads. Turkish/Dew gram beans are a rich source of protein, fibre, and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium. Turkish/Dew gram beans are often used in vegetarian and vegan cooking as a meat substitute.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Place of origin: Turkey, India, and Ethiopia.
Global exports of Turkish/dew gram beans in 2022: $101 million.
Turkey is the largest exporter of Turkish/dew gram beans, accounting for 62% of the global market share.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Rich in protein
Turkish/Dew gram beans are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
High in fibre
Turkish/Dew gram beans are high in dietary fibre, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Turkish/Dew gram beans are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and magnesium, which are important for maintaining overall health.