Lupini Beans

What Is Lupini Bean?

Lupini bean (Lupinus species) is a flat, shiny yellow-grained legume; it's known internationally as “lupini.” It's a traditional meze ingredient also called by names like “termiye” around the Mediterranean.

The raw bean naturally contains bitter compounds; that's why its bitterness is removed by changing the water for days, and it's kept in a salty brine. After this process it becomes a crunchy, flavorful meze.

Nutritional Value of Lupini Bean

Lupini is one of the richest legumes in protein; 100 grams cooked contains about 119 kcal of energy and high protein. Values are approximated from a similar lupini profile; the salt of the brine makes the product salty.

What Are the Benefits of Lupini Bean?

With its high protein and fiber content, lupini can be considered a satiating part of plant-based nutrition; since the brined form is salty, moderate consumption is recommended.

This information is general; lupini is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Lupini is an allergen; those with a legume/lupin allergy should not consume it. Also, beans whose bitterness has not been fully removed should not be eaten.

How Is Lupini Bean Selected?

Brined lupini grains should be plump, shiny yellow, and firm, with clear brine. Softened, cloudy, or spoiled-smelling samples are not preferred.

• Grains should be plump, shiny yellow, and firm
• Brine should be clear, smell clean
• Softened and cloudy samples should not be bought

How Is Lupini Bean Stored?

Brined lupini is stored in the fridge in its own brine liquid in a sealed container and consumed within a few days to weeks. Dried lupini grains keep for a long time in a dry, cool place.

Using Lupini Bean in the Kitchen

Lupini is mostly taken out of its brine and eaten as a meze and snack; the skin is squeezed to release the interior. It's also used in salads and cold plates.

How Is Lupini Eaten?

The thin skin of the grain taken from the brine is squeezed gently at one end, and the soft interior is released into the mouth; the skin is usually not eaten.

How Is Lupini's Bitterness Removed?

Dried grains are soaked and boiled, then their water is changed several times a day for several days to remove the bitter compounds; afterward they're kept in a salty brine.

What Recipes Is Lupini Bean Used In?

Brined lupini meze, lupini salad, and cold meze plates are the best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is lupini bitter?

The raw grain naturally contains bitter alkaloids; that's why it's not consumed without being soaked in water for a long time to remove the bitterness.

Is lupini's skin edible?

It's generally not eaten; the thin skin is squeezed and only the soft interior is consumed.

In which regions is lupini consumed?

It's a common traditional meze and snack around the Mediterranean, in Italy, Portugal, and the Middle East.

Is lupini allergy significant?

Yes; lupini is a known food allergen and can trigger reactions, especially in those with legume allergies like peanut allergy, who should not consume it.