Lupin is best known as a flowering plant of the genus Lupinus. There are also varieties grown for their edible seeds - referred to as pulses. The seeds of lupins are a grain legume. These seeds grow in pods and are harvested and dried.
There are two kinds of lupins – sweet and bitter.
Bitter lupins have been eaten for thousands of years. Known as Lupinus albus this lupin contains very high levels of bitter alkaloids and has to be boiled and soaked in brine to make it edible. Australian Sweet Lupin, also known as Lupinus augustifolius, contains negligible levels of bitter alkaloids. This sweeter, neutral tasting bean does not need any such preparation and can even be eaten raw.
* Allergen