Azuki beans

Azuki bean (小豆, “little bean”) occupies a unique place in Japanese culture. For centuries, its red color is a symbol of luck and protection against evil spirits. It is found in sekihan, sticky rice with azuki beans served on special occasions, but especially in the famous anko sweet pastry which fills mochi, dorayaki or taiyaki. Azuki is not limited to desserts: it also accompanies soups, rice or savory dishes. Low in fat and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, it combines tradition, flavor and nutritional benefits. Today, Hokkaido Island continues to produce the majority of Japanese azuki, thus perpetuating a thousand-year-old and gourmet history.