Adzuki bean

Abstract

The adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) is a legume crop, mostly bushy and upright, typically 1-2 ft. in height. The adzuki bean belongs to the Fabaceae family; it is commonly known as adzuki bean, red bean, and red mung bean. The wild forms of adzuki bean are supposed to be originated in Japan for over 6000 years ago, whereas the cultivated varieties were developed 4000 years ago. It is widely grown in the Yangtze River valley in China (FAO 2007). It occupies second rank after soybean among dry bean crop in Japan. These beans are also stated to be used as a soil improvement crop and animal feed crop (FAO 2007).