Mung bean

The mung bean (Vigna radiata), alternatively known as the moong bean, green gram, is a plant species in the legume family. Native to the Indian subcontinent, the mung bean is mainly cultivated today in India, China, and Southeast Asia. It is also cultivated in hot, dry regions in Southern Europe and the Southern United States. It is used as an ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.

Description

The English word mung is derived from the Hindi word मूंग moong derived from the Sanskrit word मुद्ग (mudga).

Taxonomy

They are one of many species recently moved from the genus Phaseolus to Vigna, and is still often seen incorrectly cited as Phaseolus aureus or Phaseolus radiatus.

Uses

Mung beans are commonly used in various cuisines across Asia.

Whole beans and mung bean paste

Whole cooked mung beans are generally prepared from dried beans by boiling until they are soft. Mung beans are light yellow in colour when their skins are removed. Mung bean paste can be made by dehulling, cooking, and pulverizing the beans to a dry paste.