Vigna mungo

Vigna mungo is a species of plant in the legume family. It is commonly known as black gram, black lentil, white lentil, urad dal, or urad bean. This plant is native to India and has been cultivated since ancient times. It is an important source of protein in the diet of people in South Asia.

Description

The Vigna mungo plant is an annual, erect herb that grows up to 100 cm tall. The leaves are trifoliate, with oval leaflets that are 4-10 cm long and 2-7 cm wide. The flowers are yellow or greenish, and the pods are cylindrical, up to 6 cm long, containing 4-10 seeds. The seeds are small, round, and black or dark brown.

Cultivation

Vigna mungo is a warm-season crop, grown mainly in the tropics and subtropics. It is a short-day plant, which means it requires long nights to flower and produce seeds. It is usually grown as a rain-fed crop during the monsoon season, but it can also be grown under irrigation in dry areas. The plant prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of drought and salinity.

Uses

The seeds of Vigna mungo are used as a food source in many parts of the world. They are rich in protein and dietary fiber, and also contain significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. The seeds are usually cooked and eaten as a dal in India, or ground into a flour and used to make breads and sweets. The leaves and young pods are also edible and are used as a vegetable.

Health Benefits

The consumption of Vigna mungo has been associated with several health benefits. It is believed to help in controlling diabetes, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation. It is also a good source of iron, which can help in preventing anemia.

See Also

• Vigna radiata
• Vigna unguiculata
• Pulse (legume)