Peas, beans, and lentils which are dried for market contain a high
percentage of protein, carbohydrate, and mineral matter. They form an
excellent substitute for meat and are much cheaper in price. The
digestion of leguminous foods proceeds slowly, involving a large amount
of work: on this account they are not desirable for invalids, but they
are satisfactory for those who are well and active. The dried legumes
must be soaked overnight in water and then cooked for a long time, in
order to soften the cellulose and develop the flavour.