Lentils (Lens culinaris) are one of the oldest domesticated crops. Originating in south-west Asia they have been used as a staple food since the beginning of agriculture. Lentils grown in Australia are divided into two groups based on seed size and cotyledon colour. Each has distinct users and markets. The two types commonly grown in Australia are Red lentils (Microsperma), which have small (2 – 6mm) seeds and reddish coloured cotyledons, and Green lentils (Macrosperma), which are larger (6 – 9 mm wide) with green to brown seed coats and yellowish cotyledons. Most production is centred in Victoria and South Australia, with smaller areas planted in Western Australia and New South Wales.