Product Description

Lupin, lupine, or lupini beans are part of the pea family and have a sweet, nutty flavor and firm texture. Originally, the beans were bitter but newer varieties are less so and require less soaking. Lupini beans originated in the Middle East and are commonly associated with Italian cuisine. They are popular as street food in countries like Jordan and Egypt and are sold in many supermarkets and specialty food stores.

A serving of cooked lupini beans provides 100 calories, 13 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber, and is a good source of zinc and magnesium. The rise in popularity of plant-based proteins may be responsible for the recent increase in interest in lupini beans.

Dried or canned lupini beans can be found in stores and can be used in baked goods, although some people with a peanut allergy may have an allergic reaction to products made with lupini flour. Dried bitter lupini beans need to soak for several days while the “sweet” variety requires only a few hours of soaking. Lupini beans have thick skins that can be eaten but are often removed before consuming.

Lupini beans can be added to salads, served as a side dish, or used in traditional holiday dishes like the Italian combination of lupini beans and olives.