White Lupin

Lupinus albus

Physical Characteristics

Lupinus albus is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. Europe to Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Oil Seed Edible Uses: Coffee Oil Oil Seed - cooked[2, 7, 50, 105, 132]. Used as a protein-rich vegetable or savoury dish in any of the ways that cooked beans are used, they can also be roasted or ground into a powder and mixed with cereal flours in making bread etc[183]. If the seed is bitter this is due to the presence of toxic alkaloids and the seed should be thoroughly leached by soaking it and then discarding the soak water before cooking[132]. Seeds contain 32 - 40% protein, 8 - 12% oil[160]. The roasted seeds can be used as a snack in much the same way as peanuts[183]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[4, 7]. The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute[7, 61, 105, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Emmenagogue Hypoglycaemic Vermifuge The seeds, taken internally, are diuretic, emmenagogue, hypoglycaemic and vermifuge[4, 7]. When bruised and soaked in water they are used as a poultice on ulcers etc[4].

Known Hazards

The seed of many lupin species contain bitter-tasting toxic alkaloids, though there are often sweet varieties within that species that are completely wholesome[65, 76]. Taste is a very clear indicator. These toxic alkaloids can be leeched out of the seed by soaking it overnight and discarding the soak water. It may also be necessary to change the water once during cooking. Fungal toxins also readily invade the crushed seed and can cause chronic illness[65].