Due to the changing eating habits of many people, protein-containing plant foods are playing an increasingly important role. Lupins, and only sweet lupins, are considered the protein source of the future. More and more agricultural businesses are relying on the large-scale cultivation of lupins.
How to grow lupins in your own garden?
It is possible to grow sweet lupins in your own garden by caring for the plants in a similar way to ornamental lupins. It is important to have enough space in the garden and to use non-toxic options if there are children in the household. Sweet lupins are also more suitable for seeds than for flowers.
Sweet lupine – the alternative to soy
The need for protein-rich plant-based foods is constantly increasing. After soy is rejected by many vegetarians due to genetic modification, producers turn to lupins.
However, only sweet lupine is used for large-scale cultivation. This plant should not be confused with the popular perennial plant in the garden.
Sweet lupins, of which there are yellow, white and blue varieties, no longer contain any toxins thanks to breeding. The ornamental plants, on the other hand, are poisonous and must not be consumed under any circumstances.
Grow sweet lupins in your own garden
In general, sweet lupins can also be planted in your own garden. The care requirements are the same as those of ornamental lupines.
Growing sweet lupins for your own consumption is only worthwhile if there is enough space in the garden. If there are children in the house, the non-toxic sweet lupins can be a good alternative to the poisonous ornamental plant.
Sweet lupins are only suitable to a limited extent as ornamental plants, as they were primarily bred for seeds and the flowering does not play such a big role.
Benefits of growing lupins instead of soy
Several points speak in favor of growing sweet lupins for protein supply:
- Grows in poor soil
- Requires little care
- Is profitable
- Is largely disease resistant
- Is neutral in taste
The blue lupine is primarily grown for food production in Germany. It has proven to be disease resistant to viruses. The cultivation of yellow and white lupins, on the other hand, has almost come to a standstill.
Lupins in animal feeding
The blue sweet lupine is now often used as a substitute for soybean meal in pig feeding. Studies have shown that this type of feeding is particularly worthwhile in areas where the soil is poor and sandy.
Tips & Tricks
Lupine flour can be used in the same way as soy flour without affecting the taste. There is even a tofu substitute made from lupins. It is sold under the name Lupino in specialist shops.
