Lupinus Albus

Description

Family: Papilionaceae
Genus: Lupinus
Species: Albus

Lupin, lupine, white lupin, white lupine, Egyptian lupin

Lupinus albus is an erect, bushy, annual legume that can reach 1.2 m high, with an indeterminate growth habit. White lupin seeds are large, flat, rectangular, or square-shaped with rounded corners, laterally compressed, and about 7-16 mm long. White lupin provides seeds for food and feed, fodder, and green manure. The seeds are rich in alkaloids, they should be detoxified by soaking before being cooked for food. They can also be pickled and used for snacks. White lupin is a good honey plant and an attractive annual ornamental. White lupin seed was reported to lower blood cholesterol in humans. Lupin seeds can be roasted whole (dry cooking) by direct flame to reach very quickly a temperature of 105°C. Roasting improves palatability (reduces bitterness). High in protein and fiber, edible lupine is nutritious snack food, often pickled, marinated, or consumed with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and beer. 70 days.

Seed scarification is advised for lupine seeds (Nicking or scaring seeds with hard seed coatings before planting helps the seeds absorb water. After scarification soak seeds in water overnight before planting.

Sow in pot 2-6 weeks before the last frost or directly in early May (garden). Cover seeds with perlite or soil. Keep moist, germinate at 18-25 °C. Further, growing at 15-18 °C. Transplant after 3-4 weeks. Plant out in the full sun, early May. Planting distance 30 cm x 30 cm.