The Full Story
About
Tarwi
Tarwi is grown in the Andes since ancient times
The bone-white seeds contain more than 40% protein
and 20% fat.
Tarwi is incorporated in various local dishes. It's used in stews, soups, purees and sauces as well as in desserts. Tarwi Flour is used for the preparation of bread.
The plant is fully-grown at five months during which time it produces flowers and fruits almost continuously – throughout the development these flowers change color. It grows best between 1500 and 2500 meters above sea level in the high valleys and cold areas of tropical mountains. Depending on the variety, seeds and grains have distinct colors, which vary according to their local breeds.
In English, “Tarwi” is known as “Andean Lupin,” but its scientific name, “Lupinus Mutabilis,” tells us that this plant is of great adaptation.
Because it has so many different uses, tarwi is an efficient crop that very well embodies the 3Ps:
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1. People.
Tarwi is incredibly nutritious. The bean, or giant seed, cares for the one ingesting it by providing calories that are high in protein and nutrients. In the Andes, this legume is one important source of protein and it grows at different altitudes from 800 to 3000 meters above sea level.
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2. Planet.
The tarwi plant is used as a bug repellant! Farmers in the Andes plant a line of tarwi crops along their parcels because this incredible food protects crops by repelling bugs and other little mischievous beings, and stops them from getting into the crops and eating them. Having this natural repellant significantly reduces the need for insecticides and chemicals, keeping the soil fertile and the harvest clean from different substances. Another ecological benefit of tarwi is that it injects nitrogen into the soil, making it richer and more fertile. In the Andes after harvesting tarwi, farmers usually plant corn or potatoes in the same piece of land right away, to take advantage of this rich soil tarwi has left behind.
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3. Profit.
Tarwi’s purple flower is used in the Andes as dye for alpaca and sheep fiber. Andean communities are known for the colorful and elaborate handmade textiles that they sell to generate a small income for the weaver’s family. The tarwi flower plays an important role in keeping the dying process organic, and it adds a beautiful color scheme. It is also a bean that can be stored for long periods of time, and this helps communities stay nurtured during times of scarcity.
(Source Mountain Lodges)
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Tarwi is a gift from nature that enhances quality of life. This versatile superfood is an important asset to farming families and communities, and it is highly valued and used.