In many Asian cultures, beverages made from green beans and grains are not just ordinary drinks; they are part of the tradition and history that brings nourishment, health benefits, and refreshment to people throughout the seasons. From the sweet, creamy, and nutritious flavors of mung bean-based drinks to the hearty, wholesome essence of grain-based beverages, these drinks represent a fusion of culinary wisdom, nature’s bounty, and cultural heritage.
This article delves into the unique and diverse world of drinks made from green beans and other grains, exploring their preparation methods, health benefits, cultural significance, and the variety of beverages enjoyed in different parts of Asia. Whether it’s a hot cup of mung bean soup for a cozy winter evening or a chilled barley tea for a refreshing summer break, these drinks offer not only relief from the heat but also a way to connect with the cultural practices of many nations.
1. Green Bean Drinks: The Taste of Tradition
Green beans, or mung beans as they are often called, are small but mighty legumes packed with health benefits and versatility. Native to India but widely cultivated throughout Asia, mung beans have been used for centuries in both savory and sweet dishes. Their popularity in beverages, particularly in East and Southeast Asia, comes from their naturally sweet flavor, smooth texture, and high nutritional value.
Mung Bean Soup (Chè Đậu Xanh)
One of the most beloved drinks in Vietnam, Chè Đậu Xanh is a sweet mung bean soup that can be served warm or cold. Mung beans are cooked with sugar, creating a smooth, creamy dessert drink. In some variations, coconut milk is added to enrich the flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the beans.
Chè Đậu Xanh has a long history, often being served during special occasions such as the Lunar New Year (Tết) or at family gatherings. It’s a comforting drink that soothes the body, and many believe it has digestive benefits. The dish also offers a source of plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome treat that promotes overall well-being.
Mung Bean and Coconut Milk Drink
In other parts of Southeast Asia, a similar drink is made with mung beans and coconut milk. This mung bean and coconut milk drink (popular in the Philippines and Thailand) is a sweet, creamy beverage that’s often served chilled to beat the heat. The mung beans are boiled until tender, then mixed with coconut milk and sweetened with sugar. This beverage offers the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors.
The drink is believed to provide a cooling effect on the body, particularly during the hot and humid summer months in tropical countries. It’s also packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making it both delicious and nourishing.
2. Barley and Other Grain-Based Beverages
Barley and other grains are staples in many cultures, both for their culinary and medicinal properties. When brewed into drinks, these grains bring unique flavors and health benefits. These beverages are particularly common in East Asia, where they are consumed as both refreshing drinks and as part of healing rituals.
Barley Tea (Mugicha)
A famous drink in Japan, Korea, and China, barley tea is made by steeping roasted barley in hot water. Known as Mugicha in Japan and Boricha in Korea, this refreshing tea has a nutty, slightly bitter taste. It’s often served cold in the summer as a thirst-quenching drink, and in Japan, it’s commonly enjoyed with meals or as a casual refreshment during the day.
Barley tea is not only valued for its refreshing qualities but also for its health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, aids digestion, and can help reduce bloating and inflammation. Additionally, barley tea is caffeine-free, making it an excellent beverage for all ages and for anyone seeking a healthier alternative to sugary sodas or caffeinated drinks.
Sweet Barley Drink (Chè Barley)
In Vietnam, a version of barley drink is made with barley seeds, sugar, and water, often flavored with pandan leaves for added fragrance. This sweet, light beverage is commonly served chilled in the hot months and is a popular street food item. The chewy texture of the barley grains combined with the sweetness makes it a refreshing and satisfying drink.
In addition to its delicious flavor, the barley drink is believed to have cooling properties and is often consumed to counteract the heat of the summer. The drink also provides a source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
3. Other Grains in Drinks: A Diverse Range of Flavors
Beyond mung beans and barley, other grains such as rice, job’s tears, and millet are also frequently used in the creation of delicious and nutritious beverages. These grains, often combined with other ingredients, provide a wide range of tastes and health benefits.
Job’s Tears Drink (Yīyǐ Chá)
Job’s tears, also known as coix seed, is a versatile grain widely used in Chinese cuisine and traditional medicine. It is believed to have detoxifying properties and is often brewed into a drink called Yīyǐ Chá (or coix seed tea). Job’s tears are often boiled with other herbs or sweetened with rock sugar to make a soothing, sweet tea.
This drink is particularly popular in Chinese medicine for its cooling effects on the body. It is often consumed to improve digestion, clear heat from the body, and enhance skin health. Job’s tears are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making this drink an excellent addition to a wellness routine.
Millet Drink (Bajra Ka Sharbat)
In some regions of India, millet is used to create refreshing drinks known as Bajra Ka Sharbat. This millet-based drink is typically made by soaking millet in water, then grinding it into a smooth paste that is mixed with water and sweetened with sugar. Sometimes, it is flavored with rosewater or cardamom, giving it a fragrant and aromatic twist.
Millet drinks are considered healthy for their high fiber content, which aids in digestion and helps maintain blood sugar levels. The drink is also believed to have cooling properties, making it ideal for consumption during hot weather or after physical activity.
Rice Drink (Sữa Gạo)
Rice-based drinks are common in various parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, where rice is a dietary staple. In Vietnam, Sữa Gạo (rice milk) is a popular beverage made by blending cooked rice with water and sugar. It’s often served chilled and is enjoyed as a dessert drink. Rice milk can be flavored with vanilla or pandan for extra taste.
Rice milk is a great dairy-free alternative to regular milk, providing a subtle, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with various foods. It’s also a good source of carbohydrates, and when fortified, can provide additional vitamins and minerals.
4. Health Benefits of Bean and Grain-Based Drinks
Drinks made from beans and grains are not just tasty; they are packed with a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the key nutritional and health benefits of these drinks:
Rich in Fiber and Protein
Grain and bean-based drinks are often high in both fiber and plant-based protein, making them excellent choices for digestive health and overall well-being. The fiber helps to regulate bowel movements and keep the digestive system functioning properly, while the protein supports muscle health and satiety.
Detoxifying and Cooling Properties
Many of these drinks are consumed for their cooling properties, particularly in hot and humid climates. Ingredients like job’s tears, barley, and mung beans are known to have a cooling effect on the body, helping to reduce internal heat and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. These drinks are often consumed in traditional medicine to detoxify the body and improve skin health.
Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Several of these beverages are rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body against oxidative stress and free radicals. For example, barley tea contains antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and promote heart health. The antioxidants in these drinks also contribute to healthy aging by fighting the effects of environmental stressors on the body.
Hydration and Replenishment
Many bean and grain-based drinks are naturally hydrating, making them ideal for replenishing fluids after physical exertion or during hot weather. Drinks like barley tea and mung bean soup provide the body with both hydration and nutrients, making them perfect for sustaining energy and preventing dehydration.
5. Conclusion
Drinks made from green beans and grains are an integral part of Asian culinary traditions and provide a nourishing, healthy, and refreshing alternative to sugary or caffeinated beverages. From the smooth and creamy mung bean drinks to the refreshing barley tea, these beverages offer a variety of flavors, health benefits, and cultural connections. Whether you enjoy them for their cooling effects, nutritional content, or their ability to bring comfort and nostalgia, drinks made from beans and grains are truly an essential part of the diverse and vibrant food culture in Asia.
As more people around the world discover the benefits of plant-based drinks, it’s likely that the popularity of these traditional beverages will continue to grow, inviting even more people to experience the unique and flavorful world of grain-based and bean-based beverages.
