In honor of Chinese New Year (February 3rd) I have chosen the Adzuki (aka Aduki or Azuki) bean for my newest addition, the Weekly Pick. This is a popular food for Chinese New Year because of its red color, which is considered to be lucky. It’s commonly used to make sweet soups or desserts. Adzuki bean paste = yum!
Adzuki beans are great detoxifiers. They reduce swelling and are helpful for adrenal function. They can be useful for conditions such as leukorrhea, jaundice, ascites, diarrhea, edema, boils, and to promote weight loss. Although, don’t think you’re going to lose a bunch of weight if you’re eating Adzuki desserts which have a lot of sugar!
Happy Year of the Rabbit!
Click here for a good Adzuki Bean Paste recipe.
Adzuki bean photo courtesy of Gary Thomson.
Sesame Balls photo courtesy of Malisa’s Food Blog.