Market Driven Red Lentil Grade Changes
WINNIPEG - Jul 6/12 - SNS -- Major, market-driven changes will come into place for red lentils with the start of the new marketing year, according to the Canadian Grain Commission(CGC).
"Based on scientific research and in close collaboration with the red lentil industry, the Western Standards Committee recommended changes to red lentil grading," explains Elwin Hermanson, Chair of the Western Standards Committee and Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission. "This illustrates how research, combined with input from the grain industry, guides changes to the grading system."
The changes include tighter tolerances for copper colored and bleached seeds; and the addition of a wrinkled seed tolerance.
Effective August 1, 2012, the color definition for red lentils will be changed to state: "Color is evaluated after the removal of damaged lentils (excluding wrinkled). Bleached and copper seeds are evaluated to determine the overall color. Tolerances for bleached and copper are reflected in the Primary Grade Determinant Table.
"Bleached seeds have a whitened seed coat that is distinctly faded from the natural red color of sound lentils. The discoloration must affect the entire seed coat. Lentils having a lighter pink shade that are contrasting with the overall sample are considered sound. The red lentil color guide may be used to assist in the determination of bleached seeds.
"Copper seeds have a rust color covering both sides of seed and the entire seed coat. The rust color is in distinct contrast with the natural red color of sound lentils. The red lentil color guide may be used to assist in the determination of copper seeds."
For the first time, a wrinkled tolerance has been introduced to the Canadian lentil grading system. Wrinkled seeds were a major grading factor for buyers in many countries, but that was not reflected in Canadian grading standards.
The new standard says, "Wrinkled seeds are characterized by a seed surface that has sharp ridges and pronounced depressions that could also be described as seed coat folds and indents. Wrinkles may be evident only on one side of the lentil. Lentils that only have dimpled seed coat or folds restricted only to the outside ring of the seed are considered sound. The red lentil wrinkled guide may be used to assist in the determination of wrinkled seeds."
Bleached and Copper Tolerances
Research conducted at the Canadian Grain Commission has found that copper and bleached seeds in red lentils will lead to a decrease in dehulling efficiency. In addition, copper and bleaching affects the color of the cotyledons, making affected lentils less appealing for processors and end users.
Recommended Copper Colored and Bleached Tolerances Grade name Copper Bleached and copper No. 1 Canada 1% 3% No. 2 Canada 3% 10% Extra No. 3 Canada 10% 25% No. 3 Canada no limit no limit
Canadian Grain Commission researchers and inspection experts have also studied various severity levels of wrinkled seeds to determine the appropriate tolerances for wrinkled lentils. Their research has indicated that the severity of the wrinkling can impact the de-hulling process and, therefore, the quality of lentils.
Recommended Wrinkled Seed Tolerances
No 1 No 2 Extra 3 No 3
Heated 0.2% 0.5% 0.5% 1.0%
Peeled, split and broken 2.0% 3.5% 5.0% 10.0%
Other damage 1.0% 2.0% 5.0% 10.0%
Total damage 2.0% 3.5% 5.0% 10.0%
Wrinkled 2.0% 5.0% N/A N/A
Total damaged and wrinkled 4.0% 8.0% N/A N/A
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