Mung Bean (locally: monggo / mongo) 200g

What it is

• The mung bean is a small legume belonging to the species Vigna radiata. Encyclopedia Britannica
• In the Philippines it is commonly called monggo or mongo. Panlasang Pinoy +1
• It is cultivated for its seeds (which can be eaten whole with skin, or split and hulled), and sometimes for sprouts
• The plant is an annual legume; plants have pods which hold several small se

Nutritional & functional attributes

• Mung beans are rich in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. PMC +1
• Because they are legumes, they also help with nitrogen-fixing in soil when grown.
• High Value Crops Program They have a mild, slightly sweet flavour when cooked and a soft texture when properly prepared.

Common uses in Filipino cuisine Savory stew:

• One of the most popular Filipino preparations is Ginisang monggo (sautéed mung beans) — mung beans are boiled and sautéed with garlic, onion, tomatoes, seafood (or meat) and vegetables.
• Wikipedia +1 Sweet/dessert use: Mung beans (or hulled ones) are also used in sweet dishes such as rice gruels with coconut milk (e.g.,
• Ginataang munggo) and as fillings in pastries/breads (e.g., pan de monggo) in the Philippines.
• Wikipedia +1 Sprouts: In some cases, mung beans are sprouted (called togue in Filipino) and used in spring rolls or as side vegetables.
• GBIF Selection & preparation tips When buying: Choose beans that are uniform in colour, free from moisture, mould or insect damage.
• Before cooking: Rinse well to remove dust or debris. Some cooks soak them briefly to reduce cooking time. Cooking:
• Whole mung beans generally need boiling until soft; split/hulled mung beans cook faster.

For ginisang monggo, cook beans until tender but still hold their shape, then add sautéed aromatics, vegetables, seafood/meat, and seasonings. Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to keep dry beans fresh. Why it’s a good ingredient Cost-effective source of plant-based protein and fibre. Versatile: works in both savoury and sweet dishes. Good for pantry: Dry beans have long shelf life, so you can keep them on hand for meals. Nutritional diversity: Including legumes like mung beans adds variety to meals and complements other food groups.