The Adzuki bean, Vigna angulari, is an annual grown commercially for domestic consumption. Spelling variations also have the Adzuki bean listed as Azuki and Aduki - I have alternated between the different spellings throughout this article. Beans are high in soluble fibre, which can aid regular bowel function and are a rich source of Vitamins B1, B3 and Niacin. Beans are also high in protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.
The Aduki bean is popular around the world, especially so in Asian countries. Japan is a large consumer of the Adzuki bean. The minerals - Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium and Zinc can all be found in the in it.
Aduki Beans are low in sodium and can reduce and aid in preventing high blood pressure.
Vegans and Vegetarians use the Azuki bean with other high protein grains as a substitute to meat or other animal proteins.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Adzuki beans have been used to aid the urinary tract and can benefit the reproductive system.
Some research into phytoestrogens shows evidence the Azuki bean may help to prevent breast cancer. The study of oestrogens is well beyond the scope of this article but to touch the surface, In women, phytoestrogens fool the body into believing it is still producing real oestrogen. Azuki beans have shown to play a part in this.
Azuki beans have many uses in the kitchen.
Soups
Azuki beans are recognised as part of the Soup Bean group.
Sprouts
Aduki's are popular in bean sprout mixes as well as on their own.
Deserts and sweet dishes
Adzuki's can be used to make sweet bean pastes for filling and flavouring pancakes and icecream. The beans can be boiled in sweet syrup and served with icecream.
Interesting Facts about Aduki beans
The Adzuki Bean is from the plant family Fabaceae (previously Leguminosae). It is an important bean economically with more than 100,000 tonnes produced yearly in Japan alone.
The Azuki's is the most common Bean grown in Japan. In popularity, it is believed to be second in popularity only to rice.
There are a lot of similarities between the growth habit and requirements for the Aduki bean and the soybean.
Azuki Beans are commonly cooked with rice in traditional Asian dishes
The Adzuki Bean is extremely popular in the health and health foods market. It can be found in supplements, Food products and in Alternative medicine. It is an important food product in several economies around the world including Japan and China.
