Lentil varieties

Here are some of the lentils we tested:

Beluga: Very dark green, almost black; tiny and very firm; delicate flavor, with a slight brininess. $6.49 per pound.

Lentils du Puys: Dark olive drab; small and fairly firm; rich meaty flavor with a slight pepperiness. $3.99 per pound.

Pardinas: Dark brown to khaki; small and fairly firm; rich meaty flavor. $4.59 per pound.

Umbrian brown lentils: Golden brown; tiny, very firm; very rich flavor. $3.99 per pound.

Supermarket brown: Dark khaki brown, medium and fairly firm, good meaty flavor. $1.50 per pound.