Lupine seeds: 9 delicious foods made from lupins

The seeds of the beautiful lupine are very rich in protein and are ideal for consumption. We show what can be made of lupine seeds.

Lupins (Lupinus) are often referred to as the soy of the north - and rightly so. The legumes (Fabaceae) form dark seeds that have a protein content of up to 40%. These can be made into tofu, yoghurt, coffee and many other delicacies for the conscious connoisseur who values ​​regional cultivation and the renunciation of animal products.

Warning: only eat the non-toxic sweet lupine

Not all lupines are created equal. The original more than 200 species are poisonous without pre-treatment and cannot be easily consumed. You can find more information on this here. But thanks to intensive breeding, there have been lupine varieties that are not poisonous since the 1930s. They contain very little to no lupine and sparteine. These low-bitter varieties are called sweet lupins. Despite their name and without the bitter substances, they are not particularly sweet. But nowadays there is also a solution for the disruptive aromatic substances. The Fraunhofer Institute has developed a technique that can be used to produce tasteless lupine protein isolate. You can also use the seeds to make delicious yoghurts and even ice cream.

Delicious foods made from lupine seeds

Lupins are real protein bombs and are rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial substances. They are even said to have a cancer-inhibiting effect. No wonder that the market for this superfood is booming. Not only is lupins a regional alternative too soy represent, with their low glycemic index they are also an important source of protein for diabetics and nutrition-conscious athletes. The consistently positive reputation of this source of protein is reflected in our "post-fast food society" in a varied and ever-growing range of products.

1. Lupine yogurt

The vegan yogurt is now available in many different flavors. From blueberries to stracciatella, everyone will find their favorite variety. The creamy lupine yogurt is a little more firm than yogurt made from cow's milk.

2. Lupine coffee

Lupine coffee is made from the gently roasted seeds. The resulting coffee substitute has a mild, balanced coffee aroma with an under-note of almond and autumn leaves. The lupine product does not contain caffeine and is therefore not stimulating.

3. Lupine flour

Most lupine seeds are made into flour. Here the properties of the lupine stand out three times. On the one hand, the protein content is around 40%, which is four times higher than that of whole wheat flour, for example. On the other hand, the flour has very good binding properties, which makes the use of eggs in further processing unnecessary. In addition, the resulting baked goods have a longer shelf life than usual. However, the flour has a very strong nutty taste and a yellowish color, which comes through from a content of 15 to 25%.

4. Lupine ice cream

Even little ones with a sweet tooth get their money's worth with lupins, because they are also available as ice cream. The vegan version without lactose is available in the popular varieties of chocolate, vanilla, caramel and strawberry.

5. Lupine schnitzel and lupine tofu

Lupine tofu, also known as lopino, is usually processed into meat substitute products because, as a pure product, it has a slightly bitter taste. This can no longer be tasted with the vegan schnitzel substitute. However, as mentioned above, new technologies now also offer the possibility of producing tasteless tofu.

6. Lupine noodles

The noodles contain a lot of protein and no eggs, which makes them ideal for vegan low-carb fans. Lupine flour is usually mixed with red lentil flour for production.

7. Diet products and protein powders

Lupins have a very low fat and carbohydrate content and are therefore suitable for a cholesterol-free yet wholesome and protein-rich diet. Thereby they support weight loss, muscle building and fat burning. This is why there are now many fitness products that contain lupins.

8. Lupine milk

Lupine milk offers a sustainable and regional alternative to cow and soy milk. To do this, the seeds are soaked in water for about eight hours and then mixed until a thick mixture is formed. The mixture is squeezed out and lupine milk is obtained.

9. Spread

You can easily make the spread made from lupins yourself. All you need is:

• 100 g lupine seeds (raw or cooked)
• 1 tbsp tahini (sesame mushrooms)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 squirt of lemon juice
• salt and pepper

Raw seeds must first be cooked for two hours. Incidentally, the seeds do not lose their firm consistency. Drain the cooking water and let the seeds cool. This step is not necessary with pre-cooked seeds. Puree the seeds with the tahini, oil and lemon juice. Season the whole thing with salt and pepper. This spread is a basic recipe and can be refined with fresh herbs, vegetables and whatever you like.