Adzuki beans may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Adzuki beans originated in Asia, where there are hundreds of varieties in hues from brown to green to black to white, but the red beans are perhaps the best known. Also known as red mung beans, the small adzuki bean was first cultivated in the Himalayas, and over time, it became a staple food throughout the continent, where today it goes by different names, including chori, đậu đỏ, hóngdòu, pat, and ravan. In China, Japan, and Korea, the adzuki bean’s firm texture, rich taste, and crimson color flavor myriad foods such as moon cakes, mochi, and stews like patjuk and zenzai.

Yes. Adzuki beans are an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein to help support baby’s developing gut microbiome and fuel growth and development. Adzuki beans are also remarkably rich in potassium compared to other beans, which help supports baby’s heart and electrolyte balance. Like other beans, they are also packed with iron, zinc, folate, and vitamin B6, which collectively support healthy blood, immune function, neurodevelopment, and metabolism.

Adzuki bean pastes can be high in sugar, so try to hold off on serving these to children until closer to the second birthday.

★Tip: Vitamin C helps baby’s body absorb iron from plant-based sources, so serve adzuki beans with veggies that are high in vitamin C, such as asparagus, bell pepper, cauliflower, or peas.

Yes. Adzuki beans are a choking hazard due to their small size and rounded shape especially when raw or undercooked. To reduce the risk, cook until soft, and mash beans into a paste or flatten each bean before serving. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

No. Adzuki beans are not a common allergen, though rare reactions have been reported.  Bean allergies have been reported in some patients with allergies to other legumes, including peanut and soybean (which are common food allergens). However, being allergic to one type of legume does not necessarily mean that an individual will be allergic to others, although the risk of having more than one legume allergy can increase.  Fortunately, most individuals with peanut or soy allergy are able to tolerate other legumes just fine.  Note that adzuki beans are closely related to mung beans so, in this case, allergy to one of these legumes may increase the risk of a reaction to the other.

Individuals with allergies to birch tree pollen and/or Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen-food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to legumes, such as adzuki beans.    Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Recommended Guide: Introducing Allergens

Yes, but read labels before purchasing. Many canned adzuki bean products have added sugar, which is best reserved until closer to the second birthday, or salt, which should be minimized in infant diets. Look for adzuki beans marked “no salt added” or “low sodium” and opt for cans marked “BPA-free,” when available. Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to line the interior of some food containers, and studies show that frequent exposure can affect baby’s neurological development.   

Yes. Often called anti-nutrients, these naturally-occurring plant compounds (including lectins, oxalates, and phytates) break down during the soaking and cooking process and are generally harmless in healthy people when consumed as part of a balanced diet.      Lectins and oxalates can even offer health benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.   

No, but soaking them in water prior to cooking can help reduce cooking time, reduce levels of lectin and of a gas-producing carbohydrate, raffinose, and help make the bean’s key nutrients (like iron and zinc) more digestible.     

Here are a couple of soaking methods:

Yes. High levels of fiber and resistant starches in adzuki beans interact with certain bacteria in the gut, resulting in gas, helping move poop along, and contributing to a diverse ecosystem in the digestive tract.  While gas is normal and expected, excess gas can be uncomfortable for baby. To minimize digestive discomfort, introduce high-fiber foods like adzuki beans gradually and regularly in baby’s diet as tolerated.  Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about your baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.