Camellia Lentils

Lentils are small, round, tasty and versatile, not to mention loaded with protein, fiber and other nutrients like folic acid, iron, and magnesium. They’re great as a meat replacement for vegetarians or vegans (think spicy lentil tacos!) but also stand on their own as a flavorful and healthy addition to soups, stews, casseroles, and salads.

Lucius Hamilton Hayward founded L. H. Hayward and Company in 1923. L. H. was from Meridian, Miss. He moved his family to New Orleans around 1920 and established himself in business as a wholesale supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables. During the 1920's the company served the local grocery stores and the French Quarter markets with produce grown on farms in Louisiana and Mississippi. In 1947, Camellia Brand was trademarked and the first packaged products were introduced. Today, the company packages nineteen varieties of beans, peas and lentils in six different sizes ranging from one pound to one hundred pounds out of their Harahan, LA plant.