About Lupinus pilosus L.
Lupinus pilosus L. is a species of lupine with stems that grow 30 to 70 centimeters (12 to 28 inches) in length. Its blooming period runs from February to May. Typically, the species produces white flowers 1 to 1.5 centimeters (3⁄8 to 5⁄8 inches) long; its seed pods are 3 to 8 centimeters in diameter, and its full legume is 3 to 8 centimeters long. Populations growing in Israeli farms produce blue flowers that have a white vertical spot at their center. This species has several documented culinary uses. Historically, L. pilosus was cultivated around the South Tyrolean village of Altrei (Anterivo). Locals roasted its seeds, mixed them with malt grains, and infused the mixture in boiling water to create a caffeine-free hot drink with a coffee-like taste called Altreier kaffee, or Altrei coffee. A local initiative has been working to reestablish cultivation of L. pilosus in the Altrei region since 2006, to revive this traditional culinary specialty. In the geographical region of Palestine, Lupinus pilosus is counted among a small number of wild edible plants. Its seeds require repeated leaching in fresh boiling water to become palatable. After leaching, the seeds can be roasted in a skillet with a small amount of water, salted, and eaten directly. Prepared seeds may also be pulverized and mixed with wheat or sorghum flour to make bread.
