Lupine beans are pulses native to the Mediterranean Basin and mainly cultivated in Italy. People living near the Mediterranean have been eating lupines for millennia; they are considered a popular traditional food, however, they have only recently started to gain popularity in other parts of the world as a healthy and savoury snack. From a nutritional point of view, lupine beans are an excellent source of high-quality plant-based proteins, dietary fibre, and complex carbs. They are also rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron, and vitamins such as vitamin B, E, and antioxidants. Moreover, lupine beans have really low fat and cholesterol content and are naturally gluten-free, which makes them an enticing option for people with dietary restrictions.

FUN FACTS ABOUT LUPINE BEANS

Like many other types of pulses, in order to keep them fresh lupine beans are to be kept soaking in cold water. Moreover, they must not be consumed raw; cooking them is necessary to get rid of the lupine toxin, a natural alkaloid substance which is rendered harmless by heat.