Although it may not seem so, and despite always being a very common snack, lupins are a food with great nutritional value.
In Seville, there are foods that are part of our taste memory and that we sometimes forget to appreciate fully. One of them is lupin beans —or chochitos, as they are popularly known— a simple, traditional and highly nutritious snack that Seville-based nutritionist Pablo Ojeda has highlighted in one of his latest videos on Instagram. According to Ojeda, this food is not only healthy, but also a classic of Seville’s culture that many remember from their childhood.
Lupins have been consumed for over 3,000 years, long before protein bars or industrialised snacks existed. They were used in different civilisations in the Mediterranean and South America, and in Seville, they became a common snack in bars. As Ojeda points out: “As a true Sevillian, I’ve always remembered them. At fairs, in neighbourhood bars, with those summer beers. It was cheap, filling, and without knowing it, it was a nutritional gem.”
Nutritional benefits
Beyond its history, lupin beans stand out for their nutritional value. They are rich in vegetable protein, fibre and minerals such as magnesium, calcium and iron, and are very low in fat. It is also gluten-free, filling and helps control blood sugar levels and improve digestion. As Ojeda explains: ‘This little treasure has more vegetable protein than many meats, hardly any fat, and helps to satisfy hunger and improve digestion.’ All this makes it a perfect choice for those looking for a healthy, nutritious snack that is easy to incorporate into their daily routine.
This little treasure can be eaten on its own, as a snack between meals, or added to salads and fresh dishes to add protein and flavour. Pablo Ojeda even recommends it as part of his Zero Inflammation Challenge, a strategic eating programme designed to eliminate abdominal bloating, heavy digestion and lack of energy.
