Turkish Red, Green and Yellow Lentils: A Guide for Importers
Lentils are one of the most important pulses in world trade, and Turkey plays a big part in it. The country grows lentils – mainly red lentils in the south-east – and it also has a large processing industry that cleans, splits, sorts and packs lentils for export. For importers and distributors, that means a reliable source of consistent, well-packed lentils. This guide explains the main types, how they are used, and what to check before you buy.
The three main types
Red lentils
Red lentils are the most traded Turkish lentil. They are sold whole (with the brown skin on, sometimes called “football” lentils) or split (dehulled and split, with a bright orange-red colour). Split red lentils cook in about 10–15 minutes and break down into a smooth texture, which makes them ideal for soups, dals, purées and baby food. Turkish red lentil soup is a classic example.
Green lentils
Green lentils keep their shape after cooking, usually in around 25–35 minutes. They are used in salads, stews, side dishes and canned products. They are sold in different sizes, with larger lentils usually priced higher.
Yellow lentils
Yellow lentils are dehulled lentils with a yellow interior. They are especially popular in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking for dals and soups, and cook quickly like red lentils.
Why importers buy lentils
- High demand: lentils are a staple food in the Middle East, North and West Africa, South Asia and in many European households.
- Nutrition: dry lentils contain roughly 24–26 g of protein per 100 g, plus fibre, iron and folate, which makes them popular with health-conscious and plant-based consumers.
- Long shelf life: kept dry and cool, lentils store well for a long time, so stock can be held without refrigeration.
- Many sales channels: supermarkets, wholesalers, restaurants, food manufacturers and aid programmes all buy lentils.
What to check before you buy
Lentils are traded on specification. Agree these points in writing with your supplier and ask for a certificate of analysis or inspection report for each shipment:
| Parameter | What it means |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Too much moisture shortens shelf life and can lead to mould. Agree a maximum percentage. |
| Foreign matter | Stones, dust, husks or other seeds. Good machine-cleaned lentils have very low levels. |
| Broken and split grains | Important for whole lentils; affects appearance and cooking quality. |
| Size / calibration | Measured in millimetres; larger, uniform lentils usually sell at a higher price. |
| Colour | Bright, even colour with few discoloured grains shows good quality and fresh crop. |
| Crop year | New-crop lentils cook faster and look better than older stock. |
For large orders, many buyers appoint an independent inspection company to check quality and weight at loading.
Packaging options
- 25 kg or 50 kg polypropylene bags: the standard for wholesale and food service.
- 1 kg (or smaller) retail bags: for supermarkets, often under the buyer’s own brand.
- Jumbo bags: for food factories and repackers.
Ask your supplier how many bags fit in a 20ft container for your chosen packaging, and whether mixed lentil types can be loaded in one container.
Documents and import rules
Dried, shelled lentils are usually classified under HS code 0713.40. As a plant product, lentils normally travel with a phytosanitary certificate from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, along with the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin. Some countries also ask for a fumigation certificate. Our guide to export documents when importing from Turkey explains each of these, and our article on FOB, CFR and CIF helps you choose shipping terms.
Storage tips
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, off the floor on pallets.
- Keep away from strong smells, chemicals and moisture.
- Rotate stock (first in, first out) and check regularly for insects.
Buy Turkish lentils from BS Sariyavuz Export
We supply red, green and yellow lentils from Turkey to importers and distributors. See our wholesale lentils page for details, and browse other staples such as durum wheat pasta, wheat flour and sunflower oil in our shop.
To get a quotation, tell us the lentil type, whole or split, packaging, quantity and destination port. Contact us on WhatsApp or by phone at +1 727 201 2398, or through our contact page. We are available 08:00–17:00 every day, including weekends.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between whole and split red lentils?
Whole red lentils still have their brown skin. Split red lentils have been dehulled and split, so they are bright orange-red and cook faster.
Do lentils need a phytosanitary certificate?
In most countries, yes. Lentils are a plant product, so importing countries usually require a phytosanitary certificate issued in the exporting country.
How long can lentils be stored?
Kept cool and dry, lentils store well for a long time, but quality is best within the first year. Check the best-before date agreed with your supplier.
