Lupin seeds are high in protein and can therefore serve as a local alternative to soy. Here you can find out everything you need to know about lupine seeds.
Lupins (Lupinus) thrive wonderfully in our latitudes. This is why the protein-rich legumes (Fabaceae) can also be grown in the home garden, where they delight with their colorful flowers and whip the soil into shape. If you pay attention to the right varieties when planting, nothing stands in the way of your own harvest of the superfood.
Lupines: properties, requirements and origin
The protein bombs originally come from North America. Only in the 19th century was the lupine brought to Europe. Due to their undemanding nature, their rapid growth and the high potential of self-seeding, the colorful plants are among the invasive species that quickly displace native species and are now also considered native here. Lupins are an effective green manure, a native alternative to soy as a forage crop and, in seed form, can be processed into a variety of protein-rich and he althy foods. But not only the protein makes the seeds interesting. The plant is also rich in antioxidants and has an antimicrobial effect.
Lupines: related to peas, beans & Co.
Lupins, like peas, beans or peanuts, belong to the legume family (Fabaceae also Leguminosae). Like lupins, all legumes have two properties that make them very interesting as crops. On the one hand, the plants in this family are capable of entering into symbioses between their roots and bacteria, which optimize the supply of nutrients. On the other hand, the seeds have a high protein content. Unfortunately, many people are allergic to legumes. Lupins are one of the 1 main allergens. The allergies are triggered by certain proteins that are mistakenly labeled as dangerous by the human immune system. As a result, immune reactions occur, which in the worst case can lead to anaphylactic shock and even death. Like suchFood allergies arise has not yet been scientifically explained. What is certain, however, is that you have to be careful when eating lupins for the first time if you have allergies to other legumes. This is because so-called cross-allergies often occur.
Lupins as green manure
Lupins are ideal as green manure in agriculture or in your own bed. During the growth phase, plants store large amounts of nitrogen. For this purpose, the plants enter into symbioses with nodule bacteria (rhizobia). The bacteria colonize the roots, bind atmospheric nitrogen and pass it on to the plant in a form that can utilize the greenery. As the lupins rot, these bound nutrients are released back into the soil and are available to the next plants that take root on the spot. Proceed as follows for a green manure:
- May: Sowing annual lupins at the site to be improved
- After winter: mowing the lupines
- Leave cuttings as mulch layer
- Let the layer dry and then work it into the floor
- New plants can be sown/planted after four weeks
But lupins don't just pass on nutrients. Its strong roots go very deep and loosen up the soil.
Lupins: demands in the garden
Lupins do not have many demands on the space in which they grow. Only a little sun is needed for the lupins to bloom long and dazzlingly. The soil is loosened up by its powerful roots, but should not be too chalky. Subsequent care is not a big deal either, because the deep roots and the symbiosis with nodule bacteria ensure excellent self-sufficiency. If you want more detailed information about growing lupins in your own garden, you will find everything that could interest the inquisitive hobby gardener here.
Lupin seeds: The energy bomb from the garden
Lupine seeds have a protein content of up to 40% and are increasingly regarded as the Nordic alternative to imported soy. However, lupine products are more expensive than the soy varieties. The temptation is great to simply harvest the seeds yourself. However, great care should be taken when consuming untested lupine seeds.
Caution: only eat the seeds of the sweet lupine
Originally, lupins have a very high content of bitter substances. These chemical compounds, in this case mostly lupnine and sparteine, are toxic to humans and most animals. Therefore, do not get the idea of simply harvesting lupins discovered in meadows and eating them without pre-treatment. The lupine seeds, which serve as the basis for food, belong to special breeds, the sweet lupins. These contain no or almost no bitter substances and can be processed further without hesitation. You can find out more about differentiating between different types of lupine, possible signs of poisoning and what to do in an emergency in our article: "Lupins: Be careful, they are poisonous".
Harvest lupine seeds in the garden
Lupins form vast amounts of seeds with which they can spread in the garden - usually faster than one would like. If you don't want to harvest seeds and want to prevent them from spreading, simply cut off the faded inflorescences. However, if you want to harvest the seeds for propagation or consumption, the inflorescences are left on the stems. They later form the pods, which contain the much sought-after seeds.
When are lupine seeds ripe?
The ripeness of the seeds is revealed by the appearance of the pods. The seeds are ripe when the pod is dried and dark. This is usually the case in late summer.
How to harvest lupine seeds
If you have harvested ripe pods, the harvest is completed in no time at all. The seeds can then be easily pressed out of the pod. The dark seeds are then cleaned with water and dried.
Using lupine seeds: what can you do with lupine seeds?
Lupin seeds can be used in many different ways. On the one hand, they serve to propagate the plants. On the other hand, the protein-rich seeds can be processed into he althy foods that are free of animal components.
Use lupine seeds for propagation
Dried seeds can still germinate after three years if stored in an airtight and dark place. The seeds are sown directly into the bed, but can also be grown indoors in pots. Do the following:
- Sowing time: March - May[Pot: January]
- Slightly roughen seeds with sandpaper
- Soak seeds in water for 24 hours
- Seed depth: 2 to 3 centimeters
Lupins grown in pots are planted out in the bed from June. Perennial lupins can even be sown in beds until August.
Processing lupine seeds
The product range for lupins is increasing rapidly, because a conscious diet is immensely important to more and more people. The number of vegetarians and vegans increases every year and the market naturally reacts to the increasing sales opportunities. Unfortunately, soy does not thrive here and has to be imported with high emissions. However, lupins can be grown regionally and are therefore even suitable for self-sufficiency. If you harvest yourself or buy lupine seeds in stores, you have many options for processing the seeds. However, lupins can also be bought in processed form. Here is a selection of delicious foods made from lupine seeds - from ice cream to coffee.
