Lupini Beans: The Yellow Mediterranean Snack

Lupini beans are the edible seeds of plants in the Lupinus family. They are large, flat, yellow beans with a firm, slightly crunchy texture. They are commonly sold cooked and preserved in salted water or brine.

Why do they need special preparation?

Raw lupini beans can contain naturally occurring bitter alkaloids, which can be harmful if consumed in high amounts. Traditionally, dried lupini beans are boiled and then soaked in fresh water repeatedly for several days to remove these bitter compounds.

This is why commercially prepared lupini beans are usually already processed and ready to eat.

What do they taste like?

Properly prepared lupini beans have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a firm, crunchy texture. The thin outer skin can be eaten, although many people squeeze the bean out of its skin before eating it.

Where are they popular?

Lupini beans have been eaten for centuries around the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa. They are particularly popular as a snack in countries such as:

• Morocco
• Egypt
• Tunisia
• Algeria
• Greece
• Italy
• Spain
• Portugal
  
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