Swedish coffee (Astragalus boeticus L.), a neglected coffee substitute with a past and a potential future

摘要: Swedish coffee (Astragalus boeticus) seeds have been used as a substitute, in particular during the nineteenth century and times of scarcity. A. boeticus is found wild wide range environments Mediterranean Middle Eastern regions able to grow areas with low irregular rainfall. It well-adapted cultivated disturbed environments, has indehiscent pods high yield potential, therefore pre-adapted cultivation domestication. an annual that flowers spring produces small (3–6 mm × 3–5 mm) kidney-shaped can be harvested summer. The genetic diversity species not studied, but evidence (wide insect pollination) suggests considerable exists species. resources conserved germplasm banks are very limited, only 49 accessions six genebanks. Although no varieties exist at present breeding studies underway, limited could result advances. was important several countries Europe, Sweden, where promoted substitute by monarchy. Several reports on its Northern, Central Southern Europe beginning twentieth century. However, gradually lost importance eventually abandoned. grown different types soils regular winter or legume crop, thanks symbiosis rhizobia may perform well reduced N fertilization. historical accounts report excellent quality prepared roasted seeds. investigations carried out study process roasting influence final quality. information presented here indicates efforts breeding, cultivation, industrial processing potentially might recovery this neglected substitute.