Black soybean

黑豆

supports the kidneysnourishes yinstrengthens the spleenpromotes water metabolismbrightens the eyes烏髮

A black-skinned variety of soybean sold as whole dried beans; prized grades show a green kernel inside (青仁黑豆). Customarily dry-roasted until the skins crack before boiling, it gives soups a deep colour and an earthy bean sweetness, traditionally partnered with walnut, papaya or millettia root.

TCM properties

Nature · neutral　Flavour · sweet　Meridians · spleen、kidney

Traditional food therapy

In Cantonese food therapy black soybean is used to support the kidneys and nourish yin while strengthening the spleen; folk tradition also links it to bright eyes and dark hair.

Cautions — read first

Keep to a moderate amount if you bloat or feel stuck and gassy.
People with gout should note the purines in beans.

Preparation

Toasting them in a dry wok (白鑊, a dry pan with no oil) until the skins just crack makes them more fragrant and less gassy; or soak for 2 hours.

Origin

東北為傳統主產區 — Australian retail stock is labelled American-grown (Henghui 'American Black Beans'; green-kernel grade also stocked)

Availability in Australia

Common at Asian grocers · A$0.88–1.33 / 100g
Henghui Premium American Black Beans 375g $3.29; Green Kernel Black Beans 375g $4.99

Pairs well with

Walnut Selfheal / prunella spike Papaya Millettia root

Soups that use this ingredient · 4

Raw rehmannia, black bean and corn soup with pork bonesNot yet surveyed (we say so honestly)

生地黑豆粟米豬骨湯

clears heatcools internal firenourishes yinSummerAutumn

百子櫃Raw rehmannia root· 40 g (1 tael)百子櫃Black soybean· 75 g (2 taels)街市Corn / maize (with corn silk)· 2百子櫃Red jujube date· 4街市Pork bones (femur / blade)· 600 g

“Heaty? Then this is the pot.”

Double-boiled pork tail with morinda root and eucommia barkNot yet surveyed (we say so honestly)

巴戟杜仲燉豬尾

supports the kidneysstrengthens sinews and bonesdispels dampness3h slow fireWinter

百子櫃Morinda root· 20 g (5 mace)百子櫃Eucommia bark· 20 g (5 mace)百子櫃Achyranthes root· 12 g (3 mace)百子櫃Black soybean· 40 g (1 tael)街市Pig tail· 1百子櫃Red jujube date· 4… +1

“The pot she makes when someone needs looking after.”

Lotus root, walnut, chestnut and black bean soupA$24–35

蓮藕合桃栗子黑豆湯

strengthens the spleensupports the kidneysnourishes the complexionWinter

街市Lotus root· 600 g (1 catty)百子櫃Walnut· 75 g百子櫃Chestnut· 150 g百子櫃Black soybean· 75 g百子櫃Red jujube date· 6街市Pork bones (femur / blade)· 600 g… +1

“The pot she makes when someone needs looking after.”

Black bean, adzuki bean and carrot soup with grass carp tailNot yet surveyed (we say so honestly)

黑豆紅豆紅蘿蔔鯇魚尾湯

replenishes qisupports the kidneyspromotes water metabolismWinter

街市Fish tail (grass or bighead carp)· 1, 400 to 500 g百子櫃Black soybean· 150 g百子櫃Adzuki bean· 75 g街市Carrot· 200 g百子櫃Red jujube date· 4百子櫃Aged dried tangerine peel· a small piece

“The pot she makes when someone needs looking after.”