Black Gram/Black Lentil
Black Gram (Vigna mungo), also known as Urad Dal, is a highly nutritious legume widely cultivated in South Asia. It is one of the most valued pulses due to its rich protein, dietary fiber, and mineral content, making it a vital part of vegetarian diets. Black gram seeds are small, black-skinned, and creamy white inside, with a strong earthy flavor.
This pulse is extremely versatile—it is used whole, split, or ground into flour. In Indian cuisine, it is a key ingredient in idli, dosa, vada, dal curries, soups, and lentil flours. Black gram is also widely used in Ayurveda for its health-promoting properties and as a natural energy booster.
Beyond human consumption, black gram enriches soil fertility as it is a nitrogen-fixing crop, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

