"The best lentils in the world," according to Patricia Wells, Le Puy (pronounced PWEE) lentils, are an attractive dark green color with blue marbling. True Le Puy lentils are grown on the mountain plateau around the French town of Le Puy-en-Velay in the Haute Loire region, which has a unique climate and rich volcanic soil in which the lentils thrive.

Serve these French green lentils either hot or cold as an accompaniment to poultry, fish, meat, and game or add them to soups and casseroles. French Puy lentils are the key accompaniment to regional dishes such as petit salé (salt pork and lentils) and jambonneau (a particular delicatessen-like ham). In France, they are often served cold in salads.

About the AOC Designation: These French green lentils are the first foodstuff of their native country, other than wine or cheese, to be awarded the famous "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" mark of quality and assurance of origin. Le Puy's little green and blue marbled lentils retain their shape on cooking (although not as much of their color) and have a delicious flavor.