Lentils – Vigna Mungo
Premium Quality Black Gram for Export
Overview
Vigna Mungo, commonly known as Black Gram or Urad Bean, is a widely cultivated pulse in the Indian subcontinent. Known for its rich taste and nutritional value, Black Gram is an essential ingredient in various traditional dishes. The beans are small, black, and kidney-shaped, often split and hulled to produce white lentils.
Process
Black Gram is typically grown in warm climates with moderate rainfall. It thrives in loamy soil with good drainage. The cultivation process includes:
- Sowing: Seeds are sown at the beginning of the monsoon season.
- Growth: Plants require a temperature range of 25-35°C for optimal growth.
- Harvesting: Harvesting occurs about 70-90 days after planting when the pods turn black.
- Processing: Post-harvest, the beans are cleaned, dried, and sometimes split and hulled to produce different varieties like whole, split, or de-husked Black Gram.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Black Gram is versatile and used in various culinary applications:
- Proteins: Approximately 25 grams per 100 grams, making it a valuable protein source.
- Dietary Fiber: High fiber content aids digestion.
- Minerals: Rich in iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
- Vitamins: Contains B vitamins like B1, B2, and folate.
- Carbohydrates: Provides energy through complex carbohydrates.
Uses
Black Gram is versatile and used in various culinary applications:
- Dal: Split and de-husked Black Gram is used to make dal, a staple dish in Indian cuisine.
- Idli and Dosa: Fermented batter made from Black Gram is used to prepare these popular South Indian dishes.
- Vada: Black Gram paste is deep-fried to make vadas, a savory snack.
- Soups and Stews: Used in soups and stews for added nutrition and texture.
Packing
For export purposes, Black Gram is packed to maintain its quality and freshness.
- Packaging Materials: Food-grade polyethylene or jute bags.
- Packaging Sizes: Available in various sizes ranging from 500 grams to 50 kilograms.
- Labeling: Clear labeling with product details, nutritional information, batch number, and expiry date.
- Storage: Should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve quality.
Certifications
Exporting Black Gram requires several certifications to meet international standards:
- ISO Certification: Ensures the quality management systems are in place.
- FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India): Mandatory for food safety compliance.
- Organic Certification: If the product is organic, certification from recognized bodies like USDA Organic or India Organic is necessary.
- Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by the plant protection organization to certify the product is free from pests and diseases.
- Non-GMO Certification: Ensures the product is free from genetically modified organisms, if required by the importing country.
Conclusion
Vigna Mungo (Black Gram) is a highly nutritious, versatile, and valuable food product. With proper cultivation, processing, packaging, and certification, it meets the stringent standards of the international market, making it a profitable export commodity.