Azuki Beans: Sweet & Savory Goodness

Azuki beans, those little reddish-brown legumes, have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. 

These unassuming beans pack a flavorful punch, offering a unique blend of earthy and slightly sweet notes that make them a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. From traditional Japanese confections like anko (sweet red bean paste) and wagashi (traditional sweets) to hearty stews and curries, azuki beans have proven their culinary prowess time and time again. 

But beyond their delicious taste, these little beans also offer a host of health benefits, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. 

In this edition of the Japanese Taste blog, we explore the fascinating world of azuki beans, uncovering their origins, cultivation and preparation methods. We'll also delve into the myriad of ways these beans can be incorporated into your cooking, from classic recipes to innovative products that showcase their versatility.

What Are Azuki Beans?

Azuki beans, also known as red beans or adzuki beans, are small, reddish-brown legumes that have long been a part of culinary palettes across Asia, including Japan. 

These little beans pack a big punch of flavor and nutrition, making them a beloved ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.

Originating in East Asia and having spread across the continent – from Japan and Korea, through China, to Nepal and Bhutan – azuki beans have a distinct earthy and slightly sweet flavor that sets them apart from other bean varieties. 

They hold their shape well when cooked, making them ideal for adding texture to dishes like soups, stews and desserts. In fact, azuki beans are a crucial component in many Japanese confections, such as anko (sweet red bean paste) and a variety of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).

With their vibrant reddish-brown hue, azuki beans add a pop of color to dishes, contributing a visually appealing contrast when used as a filling or topping. Their versatility in both savory and sweet applications makes them a pantry staple for many home cooks and professional chefs alike. 

The Many Health Benefits of Azuki Beans

Azuki beans are delicious, and enjoyed in a variety of ways by millions of fans.

They also offer a wealth of nutritional benefits that make them a smart addition to any diet. That’s because azuki beans are packed with plant-based protein, fiber and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

One of the standout nutrients in azuki beans is their high fiber content. A single serving provides a significant portion of the recommended daily fiber intake, which can aid in digestion, promote feelings of “fullness” and support overall gut health.

Azuki beans are also an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and supporting proper muscle and nerve function.

Additionally, these beans are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which can help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Growing & Sourcing Azuki Beans

Azuki beans thrive in warm, humid climates and are primarily cultivated in East and Southeast Asian countries, including Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan. These regions have a long history of azuki bean cultivation, with some varieties tracing their roots back thousands of years.

In Japan, azuki beans are often grown in small, family-owned farms, where traditional cultivation methods have been passed down for generations. Japanese azuki beans are typically planted in the spring and harvested in the fall, with great care taken to ensure optimal growing conditions.

Preparing & Cooking Azuki Beans

Cooking azuki beans is a simple process, but one that requires a bit of patience and attention. Unlike some other bean varieties, azuki beans benefit from an extended soaking period, typically overnight or up to 24 hours, to ensure they cook evenly and develop their signature creamy texture.

After soaking, the beans are typically simmered on the stovetop for an hour or more, until they become tender but still hold their shape. Some recipes call for adding aromatics like ginger, garlic or star anise to the cooking liquid, infusing the beans with additional flavor.

Once cooked, azuki beans can be used in a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. They are commonly incorporated into hearty stews, curries and rice dishes, or transformed into sweet pastes and fillings for desserts like anpan (sweet red bean buns); daifuku (stuffed mochi); and various wagashi confections.

Azuki Bean Products At Japanese Taste

Here at Japanese Taste, we’re big fans of the versatile, tasty and healthy azuki bean. 

As such, we’ve curated a selection of Japanese azuki bean products for our customers to enjoy. Here are some of our favorites.

UHA Mikakuto Azuki Red Bean Milk Candy 93g

For those with a sweet tooth, the UHA Mikakuto Azuki Red Bean Milk Candy is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of azuki beans with creamy milk candy. 

These bite-sized candies are made with real azuki bean paste, offering an authentic taste of Japan in every piece. The milled red beans inside of the candy are wrapped with red bean flavored milk. It also contains GABA, a unique amino acid that aids in stabilizing of high blood pressure.

Usagimochi Azuki Bean Paste Filled Dried Mochi Snack 120g

The Usagimochi Azuki Bean Paste Filled Dried Mochi Snack blends two uniquely Japanese ingredients: azuki and mochi. These chewy mochi (pounded sticky rice) balls are filled with a luscious azuki bean paste, creating textural and flavorful contrast. 

Slightly sweet and utterly satisfying, these bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking on-the-go or enjoying as a dessert. It also comes in a black sesame flavor.

Imuraya Tsubuan Japanese Chunky Azuki Red Bean Paste 300g

For those who prefer their azuki beans in a more concentrated form, the Imuraya Tsubuan Japanese Chunky Azuki Red Bean Paste is a must-try. This thick, velvety paste (known as “tsubu-an” in Japanese) is made from cooked and mashed azuki beans, resulting in a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a delightfully chunky texture. 

It's an essential ingredient for making traditional Japanese sweets like dorayaki (red bean pancakes) and anpan (red bean buns).

Imuraya Koshian Japanese Smooth Azuki Red Bean Paste 270g

Prefer a smoother, more refined texture? We’ve got you covered! 

Imuraya’s Koshian Japanese Smooth Azuki Red Bean Paste might be more your style. This silky-smooth paste (called “koshi-an,” in contrast to tsubu-an) is made from finely ground azuki beans. The resulting product is velvety in consistency, great for filling delicate desserts or using as a topping for shaved ice (“kakigori”) and other sweet treats.

Imuraya Yude Azuki Prepared Sweet Red Beans 200g

For fans of Japanese sweets who want to enjoy the convenience of pre-cooked azuki beans, the Imuraya Yude Azuki Prepared Sweet Red Beans are a fantastic option. These tender, cooked beans are sweetened with sugar, making them ready to eat straight from the can or to use as a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.

Yude Azuki is mainly used for wagashi – Japanese confectionery – for example to make zenzai, oshiruko, dorayaki, taiyaki, etc.

Imuraya Tsubuan Chunky Azuki Red Bean Paste Tube 130g

Imuraya offers up its Tsubuan Chunky Azuki Red Bean Paste Tube, delivering a convenient and portable way to enjoy the rich flavors of azuki beans from Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. 

This chunky paste is packaged in a squeezable tube, making it easy to portion out and use as a filling, toppin  or dip for a variety of sweet and savory applications.

Kiyosen Handmade Pound Cake Uji Matcha Dainagon Azuki 250g

Do you like matcha? Would you like to combine that flavor with azuki??

Why not Indulge in another depth of Japanese flavors with the Kiyosen Handmade Pound Cake Uji Matcha Dainagon Azuki. This delightfully moist pound cake is infused with the rich, grassy notes of premium matcha green tea powder (from the famous Uji area that’s known the world over for its green tea – and generously studded with plump, sweet azuki beans. We also offer this delightful cake in a hojicha flavor as well. 

The Tanba Dainagon red beans come from Japan’s Hyogo prefecture, home to the city of Kobe and part of the Kansai Area (also home to Japanese Taste!).

Kiribai Azuki no Chikara Heat Pad for Neck and Shoulders

While not an edible product, the Kiribai Azuki no Chikara Heat Pad for Neck and Shoulders is a unique and innovative way to incorporate the soothing warmth of azuki beans into your daily routine. 

Filled with all-natural azuki bean husks, this heat pad can be easily microwaved and applied to sore muscles or areas of tension, providing gentle, long-lasting warmth and relief.

Great as a gift for those who suffer muscle tension in the neck and shoulder areas – just make sure they know that these aren’t the edible red beans they’re looking for! 

The Azuki Bean & Its Prominence In Japanese Cuisine

Azuki beans have truly earned their place as a beloved ingredient in Japanese cuisine, and it's easy to see why. 

These red beans offer a unique and delightful flavor that can elevate both savory and sweet dishes, while also providing a host of nutritional benefits.

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious newcomer to the world of azuki beans, we hope this article has inspired you to explore the many culinary possibilities offered by azuki. 

Have you tried azuki products before? How did you enjoy it? Let us know in the comments below… and happy culinary adventures from Japanese Taste!