Ingredient Name:  Red Beans, Azuki Beans (also spelled Adzuki Beans)

Traditional Chinese Name: 赤小豆 (chì xiǎo dòu)

What is this?
  • A small, rounded bean that is roughly 5mm in size and is sweet to the taste
  • It is commonly found in East Asia and consumed by Chinese, Japanese and other Asians
  • Variations of the bean come in white, black, gray and brown
  • In Chinese cuisine, it is often eaten sweetend (red bean soup, red bean paste etc)

How do I prepare it?

  • Rinse in cold water before usage
  • For some soups and desserts, you’ll need to soak the beans for 1-2 hours prior to usage
  • Add directly to soups

Where can I buy this?

  • You can purchase azuki beans from most Asian supermarkets prepackaged
  • You can also purchase this in bulk from speciality stores

What is the cost?

  • A package should cost under $3-5 CAD

Any benefits?

  • Excellent source of magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc copper, manganese, and Vitamin B
  • Azuki beans are ideal for lower blood pressure and act as a natural diuretic
  • They provide an excellent source of protein and are rich in soluble fibre
  • They are also known to be cholesterol reducing

Any precautions?

  • Since beans are high in protein, people who have gout should be weary in their consumption volume

Additional Information?

  • Beans store very well in dry conditions and can keep for up to 6 months
  • These beans are versitile in their usage

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