Now, researchers at Linköping University and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have recorded an important breakthrough. From the ancient lentil remains they performed the first genetic analysis of archaeological lentils. This research pays tribute to the peasants, indigenous farmers of Gran Canaria island. It tells us that they were already employing innovative, long-term storage techniques to protect their newly-harvested lentils over a millennia ago. This year’s results illustrate that today’s Canarian lentils have an incredible story to tell. In fact, they can be traced back almost 2,000 years.
The student research team discovered that the native people first introduced these indigenous lentils after migrating from North Africa in the 200’s. Supportive, near-perfect conditions on the Canary Islands were pivotal factors in helping stave off DNA deterioration in the organic materials. This remarkable preservation allows researchers to study genetic material that has lasted through centuries of time. What really sets this study apart is a simple reason. It represents one of the first times that researchers have used archaeological DNA to focus on legumes.
Historical Insights into Canarian Agriculture
The original inhabitants, Guanches, settled the islands after migrating from North Africa over a thousand years ago. Besides numerous other cultivars, they bred lentils, which today thrive as a core aspect of the islands’ agrarian culture. The recent genetic analyses revealed that many lentils grown on these islands today share lineage with those introduced by the indigenous population.
These lentils are a distinct adaptation to the novel, dry, warm island habitat. They provide essential lessons about sustainable agriculture worth amplifying, particularly as climate change exacerbates persistent challenges in our working lands. The conservation of the global genetic diversity within lentils is critical to our future agricultural resilience and adaptability.
In the late 1300s, European sailors “discovered” the Canary Islands. At the same time, the native peoples had developed a sophisticated, stable agricultural practice, which helped them flourish in this remote region. The arrival of European colonizers was the single most destructive factor affecting the indigenous population. This point underscores the urgent need to know and protect their agricultural legacy.
The Role of Women in Canarian Agriculture
The research underlined the important contribution made by Canarian women to the preservation of traditional agricultural knowledge, especially knowledge about food plants. Even to this day, women in the Canary Islands are considered some of the world’s experts on their native plants. They excel men in both raising and preparing these plants for food. This wisdom has been transmitted to Indigenous knowledge keepers through the generations and continues to be central to Indigenous agricultural practices today.
Researchers warned that the loss of genetic diversity among lentils and other crops would have dire consequences on the successful development of new agricultural innovations. Through genomics, scientists are able to locate those breeds of plants that have survived in particular conditions for hundreds of years. This understanding will enable them to cultivate new varieties that can withstand climate shifts and ecological stresses.
It’s not hard to track down “Lenteja tipo Lanzarote,” or Lanzarote lentils, in Spanish stores. The surprising thing, though, is that these lentils are not all grown on the island of Lanzarote. This misnomer serves to crystallize the tension in regional agricultural identities while demonstrating a need for better representation of local fare.
Future Implications for Plant Breeding
These results from the genetic study represents a large step forward for future plant breeding projects. The Canarian lentils exhibit unique adaptations that could make them attractive candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing crops resilient to climate change. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more erratic, cultivating varieties that have historically thrived in challenging conditions may prove essential for food security.