Mung Beans

How I got started with Mung beans? It was rather a short lived chain of thought that became a reality. I really like bean sprouts and I have the mung beans sitting in my closet for making Asian dish, so I thought, I can make my own bean sprout, which I did. Then again I thought, why not plant the seed also so that I can have a supply of beans. So I did and lo and behold they are so easy to grow.

Mung bean is native to the Indian Subcontinent. It is very common  in Asia. Growing up in Philippines, I am very familiar with this grain.

Mung bean plant with young green pods

Bean sprout. Mung bean sprouts are germinated by leaving them watered with four hours of daytime light and spending the rest of the day in the dark. Mung bean sprouts can be grown under artificial light for four hours over the period of a week. They are usually simply called "bean sprouts".

When to plant. Plant when night time temperature is above 60 degrees F or in the beginning of May (Zone 7).





How to plant. Plant seeds direct in a sunny location (May, Zone 7).

Light	Full sun
Seed Depth	1/2 in
Spacing Row/plant	1 ft/6 in
Days to germinate	4-8
Days to harvest	55-60

Harvest. Pick pods when they start to look dry, and color has usually turned brown or black as seen in picture above. Plant will continue to produce as you pick the pods. Crack the pods open to collect the mature seeds for storage and cooking.

Health Benefits. Mung beans are a rich source of vitamin B, C, E and K. Folate or folic acid, present in mung beans, helps in the formation of red blood cells. It also helps in reducing the chances of heart diseases, ensures normal growth of cells and assists in protein metabolism. Thiamine, a type of vitamin B, ensures proper functioning of the nervous system. Thiamine is also useful in releasing energy from carbohydrates.

Mung beans contain a host of minerals. Magnesium, relaxes the arteries and veins, resulting in increased flow of oxygen, nutrients and blood throughout the body. Copper helps in absorbing iron and also facilitates the process of protein metabolism. Iron helps the body build up resistance to stress, formation of hemoglobin, and plays an important role in the complete metabolism process. Zinc is useful for proper tissue growth and repair, boosting the immune system, and improving male infertility. Potassium is required to maintain a normal heartbeat, besides helping in muscle contraction.

Mung beans is one of dietary option since it is low in carbohydrates, but high in protein. The Bean sprout is bursting with protein.

Recipes:
Philippine Mung beans in coconut milk
Mung bean stew with Shrimp and Kale (Monggo Guisado)
Bean Sprout stir fry (Togue - common name in Philippines)