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Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

This small bean of many names finds its origins in ancient India, and can also be titled as urad dal, black matpe, mungo bean, masha, and many others. It has more of an oval shape rather than a disc, and inside the jet-black seedcoat is a white interior. It is also sold with the black skin removed, leaving split white halves; this is called urad dal mogar. Black gram also holds its shape well when cooked, but it is often ground up to be used in fried breads and even cosmetic treatments!

This small bean of many names finds its origins in ancient India, and can also be titled as urad dal, black matpe, mungo bean, masha, and many others. It has more of an oval shape rather than a disc, and inside the jet-black seedcoat is a white interior. It is also sold with the black skin removed, leaving split white halves; this is called urad dal mogar. Black gram also holds its shape well when cooked, but it is often ground up to be used in fried breads and even cosmetic treatments!