Tarwi bean
The Tarwi bean (Lupinus mutabilis) is a high-protein legume native to the Andean highlands, prized for its nutritional richness and adaptation to cool, mountainous environments.
Origin Story
Originating in the Andean highlands of South America, the Tarwi bean was domesticated by pre-Incan civilizations. Indigenous farmers have preserved traditional landraces over centuries, maintaining its cultural and agricultural legacy without a known modern breeder or institution.
Classification
Tarwi belongs to the Fabaceae family, within the genus Lupinus and species mutabilis. It is part of the Faboideae subfamily, grouping it among other edible legumes valued worldwide.
Appearance or Form
The Tarwi plant grows between 1 and 2 meters tall, featuring sturdy stems and striking blue to violet flowers. Its pods contain large, flat seeds that range in color from white and cream to mottled patterns, making them visually distinctive among beans.
Behavior or Usage
Adapted to high-altitude climates of 2,000 to 3,800 meters, Tarwi thrives in cool temperatures and poor soils due to its nitrogen-fixing ability. Its seeds contain bitter alkaloids that require soaking or processing before consumption, after which they serve as a versatile food source.
Merchandise & Prints
Bring this kind into your world � illustrated posters, mugs, and shirts.
Tarwi bean Poster
Archival print, museum-grade paper
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Tarwi bean Mug
Stoneware mug, dishwasher safe
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Tarwi bean Shirt
Soft cotton tee, unisex sizes
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Taxon-Specific Insights
🌍Cultural Significance
Tarwi holds an important place in Andean culture, featuring in traditional dishes and sustaining indigenous agricultural practices. Known regionally as chocho or altramuz, it symbolizes resilience and nutritional heritage in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
📌Notable Facts
- Tarwi seeds contain up to 40% protein and 15–20% oil, making them exceptionally nutritious.
- The bean has been cultivated since pre-Incan times, highlighting its ancient agricultural roots.
- Its seeds require careful processing to remove naturally occurring alkaloids, which are bitter and potentially toxic.
- Tarwi plants fix nitrogen, improving soil fertility and enabling growth in poor soils.
- Despite regional importance, Tarwi remains relatively unknown outside South America, with limited international market presence.
🌱Plant Traits Details
Tarwi plants typically reach heights between 100 and 200 centimeters, with robust annual growth. The seeds are large and flat, often white, cream, or mottled in color. While specific pod length and seed size vary, the plant is well-adapted to cool, high-altitude climates and shows resistance to some pests. Alkaloids present in the seeds necessitate processing before consumption. Proper drying and alkaloid removal enable safe storage.
Visual Variations
Composition & Context
Taxon-Specific Insights
🍽️Culinary And Market Use
Consumed mainly in dried form, Tarwi beans are used in traditional Andean dishes such as tarwi stew, soups, salads, and baked goods. Their high protein content—up to 40%—and significant oil levels make them a valuable nutritional resource. While mostly available regionally in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, Tarwi holds potential as an alternative protein source beyond its native markets.
🌿Cultivar Info
No specific cultivars or modern breeding programs are documented for Tarwi; instead, indigenous farmers maintain diverse traditional landraces adapted to local microclimates across the Andean region.
👩🌾Cultivation Tips
Tarwi thrives in cool, high-altitude environments between 2,000 and 3,800 meters, favoring well-drained, poor soils where its nitrogen-fixing ability enhances fertility. Growers should ensure adequate drying and processing of seeds to remove alkaloids. The plant shows some pest resistance but can be vulnerable to fungal diseases in humid conditions.
🛢️Storage And Preservation
After thorough drying and removal of alkaloids through soaking or processing, Tarwi seeds can be safely stored for extended periods. Proper storage conditions help maintain seed quality and prevent spoilage, ensuring availability beyond harvest seasons.