Adzuki beans

Description

Adzuki beans are small, red-brown seeds with a smooth skin and a delicate, slightly sweet-nutty flavor that balances well with both sweet and savory dishes. Their texture remains firm after cooking, making them appealing in the form of pastes, purees, and textural additions. They are rich in plant protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, and folates while being low in fat, which promotes satiety, regulates blood sugar levels, and supports heart health and the digestive system. In the kitchen, adzuki beans are used for sweet pastes (anko), desserts, soups, salads, curries, and one-pot dishes, as well as in the form of sprouts or purees. Dried beans can be stored in an airtight, cool, and dry place for up to one or two years, cooked beans can be kept in the fridge for 3–4 days, and in the freezer for about 3 months; it is advisable to soak them or use a pressure cooker before cooking.