Anko

Anko

Alternative names	Red bean paste
Type	Paste
Place of origin	Japan
Region or state	East Asia
Main ingredients	Adzuki beans, sugar
Cookbook: Anko   Media: Anko

Anko (餡子) is a type of sweet red bean paste commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It is made from adzuki beans, which are small, reddish beans that are sweetened with sugar. Anko is a fundamental ingredient in many traditional Japanese sweets and desserts, such as mochi, dorayaki, and taiyaki.

Types of Anko

There are several types of anko, depending on the process of making and the consistency of the paste:

• Tsubuan (粒餡) - This type of anko is chunky as the beans are only partially mashed, leaving some beans intact.
• Koshian (漉し餡) - For this variety, the beans are completely mashed and strained to create a smooth and fine paste.
• Tsubushian - Similar to tsubuan, but the beans are more crushed, offering a texture in between tsubuan and koshian.

Culinary Uses

Anko is used in a variety of Japanese confectionery. It is the filling for dorayaki, a sweet pancake; taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake; and manju, a steamed bun. It is also used in sakura mochi, a seasonal dish wrapped in cherry leaves, and in daifuku, a type of stuffed mochi.

Cultural Significance

Anko is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and cuisine. It is associated with various Japanese festivals and celebrations, often consumed during tea ceremonies as part of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) that accompany the green tea. The preparation and consumption of anko reflect the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection and transience.

Production

The production of anko involves simmering adzuki beans until they are soft, then sweetening them with sugar. The process may vary slightly depending on the desired consistency of the paste (either koshian or tsubuan). The key to good anko is the balance between the sweetness and the natural flavor of the adzuki beans.

Nutritional Information

Anko is high in carbohydrates and fiber due to the primary ingredient of adzuki beans. While it is relatively high in sugar, it also contains protein and a variety of minerals, making it a nutritious component of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

See Also

• Wagashi
• Japanese cuisine
• Adzuki bean