What is mung bean?

Mung beans (Vigna radiata) belong to the legume family. They have been cultivated since ancient times. Native to India, mung beans are mainly cultivated in China, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Burma, Bangladesh, and India, but also in hot and dry regions of southern Europe and the southern USA.

The beans are small, ovoid in shape, and green in color. These beans have a slightly sweet taste and are sold fresh, as sprouts or as dried beans.

Mung beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber and offer 12 grams of plant-based proteins per 1/4 cup serving. They’re also a good source of complex carbohydrates and iron, and dry mung beans are packed with vitamins and minerals, including essential amino acids such as lysine.

Many research suggests that mung beans may have several potential health benefits, including: antioxidant effects, antifungal and antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, diabetes, hypertension.

Cellophane noodles are a type of transparent noodle made from starch mung bean. Chinese varieties made from mung bean starch are called Chinese vermicelli, bean threads, or bean thread noodles.
What is mung bean?