Originally posted on February 18, 2022 @ 6:09 am
Mung beans are a type of legume that can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are often used in Indian cuisine, but they can also be added to other dishes or eaten alone. If you’re looking for mung beans in grocery store, here are some tips on where to find them.
Table of Contents
What are mung beans?
Mung beans, scientifically known as “Vigna radiata”, is a legume and an edible seed. The production of mung beans is mostly concentrated in the Asian region and India leads the world production with over 70 percent share. The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is identified as the largest producer of mung beans accounting for over 40 percent of total global production.
Other major producers include Nepal, Myanmar and Vietnam. Even though mung beans are grown as a monsoon crop as it requires high temperature, frequent rainfall and humid climate; however, climatic conditions necessary for its cultivation varies from region to region across countries such as Indonesia, Bangladesh etc.,
Mung beans refer to both whole dried bean which is green in color similar to that of green peas and also green beans which are processed and split along with their husk. Dried mung beans are known as “Sabut Mung” and they can be consumed after boiling or roasting depending on the requirement. Green mung beans, which is mostly consumed as a sprout, is called “Hara Mung”.
Mung beans contain lower fat content than most other pulses and considered to be good source of complex carbohydrate, proteins, flavonoids, Vitamin K (K1), potassium, magnesium etc. Moreover, it contains higher amounts of dietary fiber than most legumes such as pinto beans and black-eyed peas; therefore it helps in regulating bowel movement and reducing constipation.
Furthermore mung bean’s high fiber content helps in preventing cholesterol build-up by binding to bile acids, which are made from cholesterol. Mung beans offer various health benefits such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved digestion, diabetes management etc.
What are mung beans used for:
Mung beans have a mild, nutty-flavored taste that often absorbs the flavors of spices and other ingredients used in the dish. In alternative medicine, mung beans are thought to be beneficial for people with diabetes because they release glucose slowly into the bloodstream. They are also seen as a way to reduce cholesterol because, when cooked, they release a substance that is said to bind with bile in the intestines and carry it out of the body.
Mung beans are often seen as a remedy for skin conditions, such as acne. In some countries, mung beans sweetened with sugar or honey are given to children who have just had their tonsils removed. The belief is that they will help speed the recovery process. Mung beans are also said to help with insomnia, exhaustion and general feelings of fatigue.
Mung beans are often added to soups or stews because they don’t need to be pre-soaked before cooking. They can also be sprouted for salads or stir-fry dishes.
- Cook them as a side dish (Eg: mung beans with yam, chicken and cabbage)
- Eaten as a snack (Eg: roasted mung beans)
- Used in desserts (eg: mung bean jelly with coconut milk and syrup)
- Added to soups or stews (Eg: sweet mung bean soup)
- Added to salads (Eg: chicken, mung bean and cashew salad)
- Used in stir – fry dishes (Eg: basil chicken with sweet mung beans)
- Reduce the amount of cholesterol in your body
- Aids in wound healing process
- Helps fight against acne
- Reduce excess weight
- Help in insomnia and fatigue
Where to buy mung beans near me?
The question that’s been on everyone’s minds since they’ve heard the word. In the same way, it has been a topic of discussion for people who have heard of mung beans and are interested in trying it but don’t know where to get started.
Where to find mung beans in grocery store?
I’m looking for mung beans to make my own homemade soup. I was wondering where can I find them in a grocery store?
Mung beans can be found under the grocery section of any major supermarket. They should be relatively close to other dry grains such as rice, oats and barley. Look for small, flat brown colored seeds. In most cases, mung beans will be stored in a large plastic bag. Be sure to check the expiration date when purchasing any dry food product at the grocery store.
In case you do not find them in the cereal section of your local supermarket, look in spice or Indian food sections. Your local grocer may also carry a selection of Asian cuisine items. In this case, try looking under frozen goods for a smaller package of mung beans which can be stored for longer periods of time in your pantry.
If all else fails and you cannot find mung beans at the stores you visit on a regular basis, take a trip to an international market such as H-Mart or Super H Mart where more likely they will have mung beans.
What Grocery Store Sells Mung Beans?
Amazon: Amazon is a goldmine of grocery items that are difficult to get in your area. Here you can find mung beans in bulk or packaged.
Walmart: Walmart is a great place to get your groceries, but it’s not necessarily the best place to buy very niche items like mung bean. If you’re looking for a single pack of mung beans, this might be a solid option though!
Whole Foods: Whole Foods is a great place to get your healthy groceries from, but it’s also a fantastic place to find mung beans! You can find both bulk and packaged options here as well.
Your Local Health Food Store: Your local health food store might be an option for you to peruse if you want organic mung beans. Lots of people like going here because they feel that the prices are better than at a regular grocery store, especially for specialty items like this one! This will be hit or miss with mung beans. Some stores might have mung beans in bulk, some may have packaged ones available.
Safeway: Safeway will mostly sell pre-packaged mung bean options for you here. You won’t find a ton of luck with pickings being very slim, but you can always check their nutritional supplements section for organic options as well as looking through the food aisles more carefully!
Kroger: Kroger typically sells organic items from its food aisles, but you’ll definitely want to check their supplements section as well. You can find organic mung beans here if you look hard enough!
Publix: Publix does sell some organic items in bulk form, but they mostly stick to packaged options for things like this. It’s a great place to get your regular groceries from, though!
Ethnic Markets: Ethnic markets are a great place to not only purchase specialty items like mung bean, but also other imports that come from all over the world! You can find lots of different types of mung beans here, some being even more exotic than the typical green mung bean!
Asian Markets: Asian markets are definitely a good place to look if you’re looking for organic mung beans! You’ll have no problem finding bulk options here, so don’t be afraid to ask about it specifically. They might not know what you’re talking about otherwise! 🙂
Short Paragraph on where else they sell mung beans in bulk or packaged form around your area – Again, these are going to vary depending on where you live and what stores are in your area! Google is a great tool for this kind of thing.
Common Types of Mung Beans?
The mung bean is a plant cultivated for their seeds. It’s one of the main ingredients in many parts of Asia, and it’s also used as an ingredient to make different kinds of foods such as buns and noodles.
Mung beans can be cooked with rice or alone, and they’re usually boiled before eaten. They’re known for being very nutritious because they contain nutrients that help regulate blood pressure and sugar levels in the body. These include magnesium, potassium, zinc and iron. Mung beans also contain amino acids that stimulate brain activity and boost energy.
People often use them as special food items on certain days like holidays since they’re considered by some cultures as something auspicious. Here several types of mung beans cultivated around the world.
Variety selection
*USDA, 1996. Variety Selection Guide for Field Crops. Washington DC: U.S Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
Celera II mungbean
Seeds have a tan base color with purple mottling and a white hilum. The seed coat is medium to thin and can be easily removed after cooking, which makes them ideal for use as baby food because the seeds are tender and cooks fast at 15 minutes or less from dry to cooked stage.
They have an oval shape and length from 1-7mm. This new high yielding variety has been shown to produce yields comparable to Jade mungbeans but with better postharvest storage and seed quality.
Crystal mungbean
This variety is short, roundish, and have a cream color with purple spots. It has a thick seed coat which can be peeled after cooking so it’s ideal for use as baby food. The shape of the cooked seeds are slightly flat. This variety can reach high yield potentials from 12-15 tons/ha within 120 days from planting to harvest depending on growing conditions. The specie originated from China however this was bred in South Africa by the Plant Breeding Institute at Wageningen Agricultural University.
Demeter black gram:
Originally cultivated by Indian farmers, Demeter black gram has been improved over time through selection and breeding until it became a popular commercial crop among other black grams varieties because of its ability to tolerate different types of soil and produce high yields.
The shape of the seeds are oblong and it can be peeled after cooking, making them ideal for baby food as well. It contains a thick seed coat with good adhesion properties which protects the seed from cracking upon heavy rainfalls, strong winds or even early frost during late season plantings.
Jade mungbean:
This type reaches maximum height between 60-80 cm and has purple flowers that bloom into light green pods containing one or two small roundish seeds with white hilum that can be peeled after cooking. They’re also ideal for use as baby food because they’re tender after 15 minutes of boiling time. They contain three genes resistant to certain insects therefore they’re less affected by pest infestation than other commercial mung bean varieties.
Opal mungbean:
This variety of the mung plant is fast-growing and can reach up to 60 cm within 12 weeks after planting, making them ideal for use in pastures. The pods are 10cm long, contain three seeds with white hilum , and they’re shell-less allowing the seed to cook quickly which makes them great for baby food . They also contain high antioxidant properties that fight cancer causing agents within the body.
Onyx black gram
This type is short, roundish, with a black base color and purple spots when fully ripe. It has a thin seed coat which can be peeled after cooking so it’s ideal for baby food as well. The shape of the cooked seeds are slightly flat and can grow up to 12 tons/ha within 105 days from planting to harvest depending on growing conditions. They originated from India however this was bred in South Africa by the Plant Breeding Institute at Wageningen Agricultural University.
Satin mungbean:
This variety is an improved Indian variant (Pusa-Azucena) with a semi-dwarf growth habit grown for both grain and green manure purposes. It’s drought resistant, highly productive and has a thick seed coat that makes them ideal for use as baby food or fodder after cooking because it cooks fast at 15 minutes or less from dry to cooked stage.
Regur black gram:
This type is highy tolerant to abiotic stress factors such as drought and heat, and can reach up to 60 tall with a purple flower. The pod and seeds are black and the seed coat is thin allowing for quick cooking so they’re ideal for baby food. They also contain medium antioxidant properties which help fight cancer causing agents within the body.
Substitute for mung beans?
Snow peas were used instead – they have a great taste!
Snow peas (Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon) are a delicious, other variety of edible pea that can be eaten pod and all. They have flat, lightly-textured green pods with a sweet flavor and delicate skin about 1½ ins (4cm) long.
Pigeon peas are also called gungo peas
Pigeon peas are one of the primary components in the Jamaican dish call pepper pot. Jamaicans love spice, so pepper pot contains a variety of spices including thyme, scotch bonnet, mace and cinnamon among others. The pigeon peas are usually soaked overnight before using in order to soften them. You can substitute with green split peas or great northern beans if you cannot find pigeon peas.
Does anyone else know of a possible substitute for mung beans?
Mung bean sprouts, from our produce department? (“Produce” is what you find in the grocery store as fruits and vegetables.) Or perhaps from an Asian market? Check the International aisle: look for dried beans and lentils – just follow them through to their expiration dates to figure out which ones will be closest. I’ve used soybean sprouts myself, though they’re not ideal. You could probably use any bean or lentil sprouts, but restaurant-style mung beans are the closest thing to what you had in mind.
How To Use Mung Beans?
Grow Your Own Bean Sprouts
Mung beans are versatile. If you like sprouts, you can grow your own bean sprouts at home. You will need some mung beans and some jars with lids. Wash the jar’s outside with warm water and soap to prevent bacterial growth. Don’t use dish liquid!
Boil the mung beans for 5 minutes (you only need about 100 grams of beans for this) then let them cool under running water. Drain them well or they’ll rot in your jars, then put them into the jars, loosely cover them so that air can escape but pests can’t get in, throw away any weird-looking seeds since they might be diseased, remember to label what you’ve done so you don’t get confused later, and don’t forget to rinse them more often than you think they need it.
Let them sprout for 4 days, then eat the sprouts or dry them for later use. To dry them, put a lid on each jar just slightly ajar so that the moisture can escape but pests can’t get in, set it out of direct sunlight, let them sit for up to 3 weeks until they are completely dry, then store your dried sprouts where pests can’t get at them. That’s all!
Mung Bean Patties
If you want to make mung bean patties instead of growing your own sprouts, you’ll have to cook the beans first. After boiling the beans (again 100 grams is enough), drain them then mash them with a fork. If you’re making patties for vegetarians, add some bread crumbs to the beans while they are cooling in order to make them less mushy after cooking.
Make your mung bean patties about 1/2 inch thick or approximately 2 cm, fry them in butter or oil until they are browned on each side, and voila! Serve the patties with rice and curries.
Use Them In Curry
Curry is an Indian dish that can be prepared with many different vegetables, herbs, meats or fish depending on the person who prepares it. Generally speaking though, curry powder makes up much of its flavor. You can use mung beans in curry by soaking some mung beans overnight, boiling them for 5 minutes, draining them well, then adding them to the curry.
Generally you are supposed to soak them overnight before boiling because that way they cook better and taste less mushy later on. This does not apply if you are cooking other vegetables in the curry also since then it takes too long.
Mung beans can be served with rice or bread as a side dish with curry.
You could just use the patties instead of boiled mung beans if you prefer your food already cooked, but this is more traditional Indian food so feel free to make up your own mind about what tastes good!
Mung beans FAQS
Q: Who eats mung beans?
A: Mung beans are consumed by many people, especially in Asia.
Q: Are mung beans healthy?
A: Yes! They are full of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber which is great for digestion. Plus they have no cholesterol or saturated fats!
Q: How can I cook them at home?
A: Here’s a simple recipe you can try at home. Simple Mung Beans Recipe 1 cup of dried mung beans Rinse the dried mung beans to remove any dirt or dust. Place them in a large bowl with water covering the beans entirely.
Soak overnight Drain the water from the bowl using a sieve Turn on your stove’s heat to medium-high.
Add around 2 inches of water in your saucepan Place the mung beans back into the bowl/sieve and place on top of your saucepan Let it cook for 40 minutes or until tender. Be sure to check on them every 5-10 minutes to stir
Q: Are they part of the legume family?
A: Yes! They are indeed a member of the legume family, along with lentils, peas, soybeans…etc.
Q: What’s the difference between mung bean noodles and green bean thread?
A: Mung beans is also known as green beans in some parts of Asia, however when cooked they are usually softer than green bean thread. You can use either one for this recipe though!
Q: Are mung beans safe for diabetics?
A: Mung beans have a low glycemic index, which means that it is very slowly absorbed into the bloodstream and therefore won’t cause dangerous spikes in your blood sugar levels. They are a great source of protein too! However people with diabetes should monitor their carbohydrate intake as well as how they feel after consuming them.
Q: How many calories per cup do mung beans contain?
A: The calorie count for 1 cup of cooked mung beans is around 230.
Q: Do you know what spices would work well with these mung beans?
A: Try adding some chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper when cooking your mung beans to add more flavor!
Q: How long do you have to cook green bean thread noodles after soaking in hot water?
A: You can eat green bean thread either after 1 minute or after 10 minutes of being in the hot water! It’s entirely up to you and your preference.
Q: What is a good substitute for mung beans?
A: If you’re looking for a substitute, try this: split green gram (toor daal), or green peas. Most dried legumes can be substituted with another type that has been cooked.
Q: Can you eat raw mung beans?
A: Yes, you can totally eat raw green lentils! They are nutritious and great on salads or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish! You can also try this recipe for Sweet Potato & Mung Bean Buddha Bowl by following the link below.
Q: Can I eat the boiled mung beans without cooking them?
A: You can definitely eat boiled mung beans or any other kind of legumes like this! Just drain the water after they are done boiling and serve either hot or cold.
Q: How long do you have to soak dried mung beans before cooking them in a slow cooker?
A: A good rule of thumb is to let your dried legume/bean soak overnight or for around 8 hours.
Q: Can you freeze cooked mung beans?
A: Yes! Cooked legumes are great to freeze and use when you’re in a rush. Just thaw them out the night before or throw them into boiling water for a few minutes to heat them up.
Q: How long do you have to cook green bean thread noodles after soaking in hot water?
A: You can eat green bean thread either after 1 minute or after 10 minutes of being in the hot water! It’s entirely up to you and your preference.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious way to cook your food, the Ninja Air fryer is a great option. You can find mung beans in grocery store, or online. Give this simple recipe a try today!
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