Lentils, between history and tradition
by Alessia Giannino
Lentils have always been considered the meat of the poor, as they are rich in minerals, vitamins, and fiber.
They are legumes belonging to the family of Papilionaceae and according to some studies, it is the oldest legume cultivated by humans. Indeed, the first traces date back to 7000 B.C., but regarding their consumption, the earliest reports indicate that they were used in Turkey as early as 5,500 B.C. They were also always present in the Bible and on the tables of ancient Greeks and Romans, and given their great nutritional value, they were used by the poorer people.
Especially in the Middle Ages and during periods of famine, when food was scarce, lentils easily replaced a complete meal, providing the necessary nutrients to improve the health conditions of the population.
Popular beliefs
In Italy, lentils are widely used in cooking.
However, there is a custom whose tradition has become deeply rooted over time: eating cotechino with lentils on the night between December 31st and January 1st.
When celebrating the end of one year and the arrival of another, it is always hoped that the new year will be better than the previous one. Italians, a people among whom a thousand superstitions have always lingered, recognize in this ritual the hope of having money and good fortune.Even in ancient Roman times, a dish of lentils was consumed on New Year's Eve, as there was a belief that this legume would ensure greater wealth.
The shape of the lentil resembles that of gold coins, and the cooking process, through which they increase in volume, suggests growth and consequently greater wealth. These are the two reasons why lentils still represent opulence today.
In ancient times, moreover, on December 31st, a small purse filled with lentils was given as a gift.
Today, over the centuries, the tradition has evolved, so those preparing the New Year's Eve dinner also cook lentils to be eaten at midnight, right after the toast for the new year.
Lentils have always been considered the meat of the poor, as they are rich in minerals, vitamins, and fiber.
They are legumes belonging to the family of Papilionaceae and according to some studies, it is the oldest legume cultivated by humans. Indeed, the first traces date back to 7000 B.C., but regarding their consumption, the earliest reports indicate that they were used in Turkey as early as 5,500 B.C. They were also always present in the Bible and on the tables of ancient Greeks and Romans, and given their great nutritional value, they were used by the poorer people.
Especially in the Middle Ages and during periods of famine, when food was scarce, lentils easily replaced a complete meal, providing the necessary nutrients to improve the health conditions of the population.
Popular beliefs
In Italy, lentils are widely used in cooking.
However, there is a custom whose tradition has become deeply rooted over time: eating cotechino with lentils on the night between December 31st and January 1st.
When celebrating the end of one year and the arrival of another, it is always hoped that the new year will be better than the previous one. Italians, a people among whom a thousand superstitions have always lingered, recognize in this ritual the hope of having money and good fortune.Even in ancient Roman times, a dish of lentils was consumed on New Year's Eve, as there was a belief that this legume would ensure greater wealth.
The shape of the lentil resembles that of gold coins, and the cooking process, through which they increase in volume, suggests growth and consequently greater wealth. These are the two reasons why lentils still represent opulence today.
In ancient times, moreover, on December 31st, a small purse filled with lentils was given as a gift.
Today, over the centuries, the tradition has evolved, so those preparing the New Year's Eve dinner also cook lentils to be eaten at midnight, right after the toast for the new year.
