‘lupin’ the next generation Superfood at Gulfood

Government of Western Australia in partnership with Lupin industry, unveiled ‘lupin’, the next generation superfood at the Gulfood Manufacturing show, which is being held till the 9th of November. Scientific research has put this high protein, high fibre, ‘legume’ as a sure contender to becoming this decade’s superfood. Western Australia has been the largest producer of the lupin crop, representing 85 per cent of the world’s production.

Lupin has the potential to provide natural defense against all the common risk factors for cardiovascular disease including obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, certainly endorses this title.

Mr. Pankaj Savara, Commissioner of the Western Australia Trade Office, stated that “We chose to partner with the industry to help fight chronic lifestyle induced illness in Gulf countries like diabetes and heart disease. Lupin is an effective and versatile partner for health living with its ability to boost the nutritional value of main food commodities like bread and pasta.”

Western Australia Trade Office (WATO), is currently hosting and supporting the Lupin industry from Western Australia during this event.

Lupin’s benefits for manufacturers in the UAE and GCC?

Lupin is also classified as a functional food. One its many functional properties is locked in the traits of lupin proteins – mainly its neutral taste and ability to blend with water and oil. What this means to manufacturers and health foods producers in UAE and the GCC region is the flexibility to add lupin to a variety of products without compromising on its texture or taste.  Lupin has already been used in breads, pasta, and even ice creams. Lupin is also more cost effective commodity than soy and has the ability to be its substitute in many food products.

“In essence lupin, as a health and functional food commodity, can meet the needs of the health and wellness food market as well as specialty food markets like vegans and vegetarianism, gluten-free, and lactose-free,” added Pankaj.

The benefits of lupin however goes right across the supply chain, from paddock to plate. Comparable with soy and naturally healthy foods like wholegrain flour or brown rice, lupin has a high nutritional value. Lupin has 40-45 per cent protein, 25-30 percent dietary fibre, and is low in oil and starch. It’s high-fibre and low glycemic index makes lupin a healthy option for heart health and appetite control.

Since its introduction to Australia in the 1960s, lupin has helped Australian farmers with crop rotation cycles as it enriches the soil with nitrogen and phosphorous. This rotation supports the sustainability of major crop productions like wheat and barley. This process further yields lupin grains which has traditionally been used as stock feed for sheep and cattle.

Australian Lupin producers at the show:

Coming back to the region for their second engagement, winners of the Gulfood Awards 2014, will be showcasing this extraordinary commodity at Gulfood Manufacturing. Some of the prominent Australian producers will be displaying their products for manufacturers, food scientists, and health researchers to get a firsthand experience.

“As a major producer of this commodity, we are proud to be showcasing lupin in Dubai and I personally look forward to meeting potential partners in the Middle East through this truly global event,” concluded Pankaj.