Noticing big differences in different brands of lentils?

Have you noticed significant variations between different brands of lentils?

I’m not sure if it’s the brand or the store where I bought them, but I recently tried Goya brown lentils from Walmart, and I wasn’t impressed. Both bags I cooked had a strange smell—definitely not rancid, but off-putting nonetheless. Plus, the lentils stuck together like crazy, despite rinsing them before cooking.

In contrast, my usual generic brand from a local grocery store always cooks perfectly. Even when I accidentally overcook them or forget to rinse, they come out great and don’t stick together.

So, is Goya unreliable, or did I just happen to get a bad batch of lentils? I had no idea that lentils could vary so much between different stores and brands!


Comments

One response to “Noticing big differences in different brands of lentils?”

  1. It’s interesting how much variation there can be in lentils from different brands! It’s possible that the Goya lentils you tried were just an off batch or old stock, as you mentioned. Sometimes packaging and storage conditions can affect the quality and taste, leading to those unusual smells.

    Different brands often have distinct sourcing and processing methods that can result in differences in texture and cooking behavior. Your regional grocery’s generic brand might have fresher lentils or a better processing method, which could explain why they cook up nicely for you.

    If you have the chance, you might want to try another bag of Goya lentils from a different store or a different batch to see if the experience changes. It could also be worth experimenting with various brands to find your personal favorite!

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