Lupin bean

Lupin Bean

The Lupin Bean or Lupinus is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. The genus includes over 200 species, with centers of diversity in North and South America. Smaller centers occur in North Africa and the Mediterranean.

Description

Lupins are herbaceous perennials, but some are annuals or shrubs. They have a characteristic and easily identifiable leaf shape, with soft green to grey-green leaves which in many species bear silvery hairs. The flowers are produced in dense or open whorls on an erect spike, each flower 1–2 cm long, with a typical legume flower structure.

Cultivation and uses

Lupins are cultivated for their seeds, which can be eaten as a pickled snack food, and can also be ground into a flour. Lupin flour is used in baked goods and pasta. Lupins are also used as fodder and green manure, and can improve soil fertility.

Nutrition

Lupin beans are a nutritious food rich in protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. They are low in fat and carbohydrates, making them a good choice for people following a low-carb diet.

Health risks

Despite their nutritional benefits, lupin beans can be toxic if not prepared correctly. They contain alkaloids, which can cause lupin poisoning if consumed in large amounts.

See also

• Lupin poisoning
• Lupin flour
• Lupin as green manure