Lupinus mutabilis is a species of lupin grown in the Andes, mainly for its edible bean. Vernacular names include tarwi (in Quechua II, pronounced tarhui), chocho, altramuz, Andean lupin, South American lupin, Peruvian field lupin, and pearl lupin. Its nutrient-rich seeds are high in protein, as well as a good source for cooking oil. However, their bitter taste has made L. mutabilis relatively unknown outside the Andes, though modern technology makes removing the bitter alkaloids easier. In this area, the greatest genetic variability of this species was found. The plant has been domesticated for over 1500 years because of its high protein content. Its highly variable genome contains 2n = 48 chromosomes, which leads to significant differences in morphology. Several architectural types of L. mutabilis exist. The most common is the branching in V-form, which has the highest biomass production. The basal branching type has the positive feature that its infructescence is at the same level. This species is preferably promoted because of its early ripening, stability, and homogeneity in seed quality. Like other species of lupin beans, chocho beans are expanding in use as a plant-based protein source in the world marketplace.
thumb|Milk from L. mutabilis seeds
Lupine milk (made from the L. mutabilis seeds) contains 56% more protein than cow's milk. The milk is used to make cheese and yogurt.
Chemical composition
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L. mutabilis contains 42% protein and 18% fat on average (Table 1).
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Ingredient !! Amount (%) !! Range
|-
| Protein || 42.6 || 37.7 – 49.7
|-
| Oil || 18.7 || 12.8 – 22.2
|-
| Fibre || 6.27 || 4.29 – 7.51
|-
| Ash || 3.69 || 3.10 – 4.24
|-
| Carbohydrates || 27.3 || 23.7 – 29.9
|-
| Alkaloids || 3.26 || 2.56 – 4.14
|}
The oil content ranges from 13 to 19% (w/w) (Table 2). Interestingly, oils extracted with ethanol contain higher levels of antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and polar lipids associated with health benefits. with multiple MoAs. BCOs were previously classified by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) into group M 12, but are in group BM 01 (short for "Biological, Multiple modes of action").
Wild populations of L. mutabilis contain toxic, bitter quinolizidine alkaloids. Cultivars also contain QAs but at much lower levels thanks to breeding programs begun in Germany in the 1930s.
Green manure and soil improver
L. mutabilis can fix nitrogen from the air. Therefore, succeeding cultures can profit from of nitrogen per hectare. Incorporation in the flowering stage leads to a higher quantity of organic matter and an improved soil structure.