In Indian households, *dal* (lentils) is a staple consumed in every season, be it winter or summer, and it forms an integral part of various regional cuisines. Consequently, people often stock up on varieties like *arhar* (split pigeon peas), *masoor* (red lentils), *chana* (split chickpeas), and *moong* (split green gram). However, storing these lentils for the entire year can be challenging, as they are prone to infestations by weevils or other insects.

To prevent such infestations, you can employ simple household remedies for storage.

**Bay Leaves, Cloves, and Camphor**
When storing lentils, you can add 2–3 bay leaves, 3–4 cloves, and 2–3 camphor tablets to the container. Do not place them directly into the lentils; instead, wrap the three items in a small cotton cloth bundle or a piece of tissue paper before placing the packet inside the container. This ensures the lentils do not absorb the strong scent of the camphor while effectively keeping insects and weevils at bay.

**Neem Leaves**
It is well known that neem possesses natural insecticidal properties, making neem leaves an effective solution for protecting lentils. Simply add 5–6 neem leaves when filling the airtight container with lentils. Ensure that if the leaves have been washed, they are completely dry and free of moisture before being added.

**Garlic Cloves**
You may not be aware, but the strong aroma of garlic can also deter insects from infesting lentils. To use this method, tie 4–5 dry garlic cloves in a small cotton bundle and place it inside the container. This simple trick allows lentils to be stored safely for the entire year.

**Airtight Containers**
To store lentils safely without relying on additional remedies, it is essential to keep them in airtight containers. This prevents air and moisture from entering the container, thereby eliminating the risk of pest infestation. For this purpose, choose a high-quality container made of plastic, steel, or glass.

Mustard Oil
To preserve lentils such as *arhar* (split pigeon pea), *masoor* (red lentil), *moong* (split green gram), and *chana* (split Bengal gram), coat them with mustard oil and dry them in the sun. Ensure you do not use too much oil; simply rub a few drops between your palms over the lentils before sun-drying them. Once this process is complete, store them in a container.

PC Social Media