Adzuki Bean (Slightly cylindrical but slightly flattened, seed coat reddish-brown, smooth, slightly shiny, hilum linear, white)
Adzuki Bean (Red Bean) (Rectangular, seed coat reddish-brown, hilum located at the upper end of the lateral edge, white)
Adzuki Bean (Zhong San), Red Bean (Shang San), Small Golden Cherry (Bottom)
【Naming】
【Source】
Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Middle Grade
【Common Use Level】
C
【Botanical Origin】
Dried mature seeds of Phaseolus calcaratus Roxb. or Phaseolus angularis Wight of the Fabaceae family.
【Characteristics】
(I) Adzuki Bean: Slightly cylindrical or rectangular and slightly flattened, 5~7㎜ long, approximately 3㎜ in diameter, seed coat reddish-brown, smooth, slightly shiny, hilum is a white line on one side, approximately 2/3 of the total length, with a longitudinal groove in the middle, and an inconspicuous ridge on the back. The texture is hard, not easily broken, and removing the seed coat reveals two milky white cotyledons. It has a slight odor and a beany taste when chewed.
(II) Red Bean: Rectangular, with rounded or truncated ends, 5~8㎜ long, approximately 4~6㎜ in diameter, seed coat reddish-brown or slightly lighter, smooth and shiny, hilum located at the upper end of the lateral edge, white, not significantly protruding or recessed; other properties are similar to Adzuki Bean.
【Identification】
《Seeking Truths in Materia Medica》: “The tight, small, dark red ones are better.” 《Distinguishing Increased Herbs》: “For medicinal use, the tight, small, and dark ones are superior.” 《Identification of Good and Bad》: “Small grains, dark black in color, and shiny are the best; old ones, those with insect bites, and those without the ability to remove edema are not good.”
The best are those that are dry, with plump grains, and dark red in color.
【Section】
Seed Category