Canadian green lentils
Canada is the world's leading green lentil exporter, and the large-calibre Laird type is the international reference for the class. Grown on the prairies and graded to Canadian Grain Commission standards, Canadian green lentils are valued for uniform size, green seed-coat colour, and dependable cooking performance in retail, canning, and foodservice applications.
Types and grades
- Laird (large green) — the flagship calibre for retail and foodservice markets.
- Richlea (medium green) — versatile mid-calibre option.
- Eston (small green) — smaller calibre favoured in specific markets and canning.
- Typical grades quoted: No. 1 Canada, No. 2 Canada.
Indicative specifications
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Moisture | max 14% |
| Admixture | per contracted grade, typically max 0.2–1.0% |
| Damaged seeds | per CGC grade standard |
| Colour | good natural green, per grade |
Specifications are indicative. Contracted specifications govern all sales. Quotations state grade, parameters, and crop year.
Applications
Retail packing, canning, soups and ready meals, foodservice, and repacking for wholesale distribution.
Packaging & loading
- 100 lb / 50 kg / 25 kg PP bags, ~1,000 kg totes, or bulk in lined container
- Per 20-ft container — large: 585 × 100 lb, 530 × 50 kg, 1,060 × 25 kg; small: 600 / 545 / 1,090
- Bulk in liner: 27.75 MT per 20-ft container
Documentation & shipping
- Full export document set incl. CFIA phytosanitary certificate
- Track Vancouver / CFR / CIF — see Logistics
Availability
- Quoted by crop year; harvest typically August–September, new-crop shipments from early autumn
Green lentil FAQs
What is the difference between Laird, Richlea, and Eston lentils?
They are size classes. Laird is the large type most retail markets recognize; Richlea is medium; Eston is small. The right choice depends on your market's preference and end use — tell us your destination and we will advise.
Do green lentils change colour over time?
Seed coats darken gradually with age and storage conditions. Quotations state crop year and colour condition so you know exactly what you are buying.
Need green lentils to a specification?
Send your grade, calibre, packaging, and destination — we will quote against it.