White Lupin (Lupinus albus)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Lupinus albus is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich vegetable or savoury dish in any of the ways that cooked beans are used, they can also be roasted or ground into a powder and mixed with cereal flours in making bread etc. — Used as a protein-rich vegetable or savoury dish in any of the ways that cooked beans are used, they can also be roasted or ground into a powder and mixed with cereal flours in making bread etc.; If the seed is bitter this is due to the presence of toxic alkaloids and the seed should be thoroughly leached by soaking it and then discarding the soak water before cooking.; Seeds contain 32 - 40% protein, 8 - 12% oil.; The roasted seeds can be used as a snack in much the same way as peanuts.

Habitat & North American Range

Disturbed ground on acid soils. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)