The “Azuki” Bean

Originally from the Himalayas, the azuki — also known as the red soybean, though it comes in many other colors — has been cultivated since around 1000 B.C. in China and Korea, and later throughout East Asia. Considered a good-luck charm, the azuki bean is now an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine, featured in many traditional recipes, particularly in sweet desserts such as the popular Dorayaki: two soft pancakes filled with anko, a paste made from crushed azuki beans and sugar. Brands like Häagen-Dazs, Pepsi Cola, and KitKat also offer locally exclusive products flavored with azuki.