Azuki, also known as red bean, adzuki, or aduki, or red mung bean, is the most popular traditional flavoring for sweets in China and Japan. Red beans are boiled together with sugar to form a sweet, aromatic paste (anko) that is used as a filling, base, or flavoring agent for many other desserts. Azuki beans are mild, nutty, and distinctive with a delicious earthy flavor. Red beans are delicious in both sweet or savory applications.