How are pulses split into dal?
Since dal is simply dried, split pulses I was wondering: how are the pulses split?
Is it that when they are dried they become easy to split, is the dal "cut" in a certain way, or is there some other technique that is used to separate dal into perfect halves?
Best Answer
It happens more-or-less naturally. Most legumes have a seed structure with two large cotyledons that serve as storage reserves for the developing embryo, which is nestled between them at one edge of the whole structure. This is easily visible in the peanut (which is botanically a legume and not a true nut):
The outer pod that splits open serves to protect the seeds. Each of the "nuts" inside is a whole seed. On the left is one with the outer coat intact (very thin and papery for peanuts, but often substantially tougher for other beans) and on the right is a split nut. This is a single cotyledon or "lobe" with the small embryo (which looks almost like a separate seed) visible at its left tip.
If you look closely, other culinary legumes share this same structure; even lentils have a tiny seed visible at one edge. The lobes meet against each other with flat edges and will separate easily once the legume is dried. They can still be held together by the outer skin or coat, which varies in thickness; beans tend to have thicker coats, lentils much thinner ones. Once the coat is removed by peeling or rubbing, the dried legume will separate easily into halves with additional quick rubbing or tumbling. This in turn increases the surface area and allows the legume to cook more quickly.
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Quick Answer about "How are pulses split into dal?"
Indian pulses are usually available in three types: the whole pulse, the split pulse with the skins on, and the split pulse with the skins removed. Dal is often translated as “lentils” but actually refers to a split version of a number of lentils, peas, chickpeas (chana), kidney beans and so on.How do you split your pulses?
Lentils are lens shaped pulses. Pulses are dried edible seeds of the legume plants. Red, yellow, brown, green lentils.What is the difference between lentils and pulses?
Urad also know commonly as Black Gram originated in India, where it has been in cultivation from ancient times and it is one of the highly prized pulses of India.Is urad dal a pulse?
Legumes are low-growing plants that produce seeds in pods. When dried and meant for food, the seeds are called pulses. All kinds of seeds are legumes (see list below): pinto beans, kidney beans, navy beans, dried peas and lentils are pulses.Industrial processing of Pulses- Dal Milling Overview
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Answer 2
To add something on the practical side: the splitting is done with machines like this:
The lentils are poured into it, and come out dehulled and split.
From the manufacturer's description,
Working Principle
The peeled lentil is move forward by propeller and then splitted by the friction among peeled lentil itself, and the friction between peeled lentil and special structure iron roller.
So, as logophobe said, it is a matter of "quick rubbing or tumbling".
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