Vigna aconitifolia is a drought-resistant legume, commonly grown in arid and semi-arid regions of India. It is commonly called mat bean, moth bean, matki, or dew bean. The pods, sprouts, and protein-rich seeds of this crop are commonly consumed in India. Moth bean can be grown on many soil types, and can also act as a pasture legume.
Moth bean is a creeping annual herbaceous plant that grows to approximately 40 cm high. Yellow flowers on their hairy and densely packed branches develop into yellow-brown pods, 2 to 3 inches in length[rx] The seeds of these pods contain approximately 22–24% protein.[rx]
Due to its drought-resistant qualities, its ability to combat soil erosion, and its high protein content, moth bean has been identified as possibly a more significant food source in the future.[rx] It has been suggested that its suitability as a grain legume in semi-arid Africa should be further investigated.[rx]
| Moth bean Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Moth bean |
| Scientific Name: | Vigna aconitifolia |
| Origin | It is commonly cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of India. |
| Colors | Yellow to brown |
| Shapes | Unilocular, elongate, straight, 3.5 to 6.5 cm long, 4 to 5 mm broad |
| Flesh colors | Golden yellow |
| Calories | 672 Kcal./cup |
| Major nutrients | Vitamin B9 (318.00%) Iron (265.88%) Isoleucine (180.62%) Magnesium (177.86%) Manganese (155.09%) |
| Health benefits | Strong bones, Enhance immune system, Lowers stress, Repairment of Muscles, Assist to reduce weight |
Moth bean is an herbaceous creeping annual plant belonging to the Fabaceae family and Faboideae subfamily. It forms a low-lying soil cover when grown fully. The stem grows up to the height of 40 meters having its hairy and dense-packed branches which reach upto 150 cm. The plant has a dense appearance with horizontal branches bearing deeply notched leaflets. Leave resembles potato leaves. Bright yellow flowers form on hairy branches which give way to brown pods measuring 2.5 to 5 cm long bearing 4 to 9 seeds. Seeds are subquadrate, smooth, olive, black, brown, and mottled or patchy. The plant has drought-resistant qualities which help to combat soil erosion. Sprouts, pods, and seeds are commonly consumed in India. Moth bean is inherent to India and Pakistan and is cultivated as a forage and cover crop. Besides its cultivation in India and Pakistan, it is also grown in the United States, Thailand, Australia, and other parts of Asia. Moth bean is regarded as one of the most drought-resistant pulses in India which is cultivated at an altitude upto 1300 meters above sea level. The plant does well in dry sandy soil but tolerates various types of soils. The plant produces well when optimum rainfall reaches around 500 to 750 mm in a year. When the rainfall is less than that, it produces output to the minimum.
Seeds are cooked and consumed as a vegetable and is processed as dals for preserving them for a longer time period. Later it can be prepared into spouts and cooked as other beans or dals. In India, green pods are consumed as vegetables and tiny seeds are consumed split or whole. Seeds are fried and consumed as a crunchy snack. Moth beans are grounded into flour and used for preparing South Indian foods such as Idli and dosa. The seeds of the Moth bean are an excellent source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Due to the high content of protein and calcium, it could be a perfect diet.
Plant
Vigna mungo is an erect, hairy, and bushy annual plant having well-developed taproots. The plant grows up to the height of 40 cm. It is often cultivated in the Indian subcontinent. It bears narrow and cylindrical pods. Each pod contains about 4 to 10 small and black seeds. Leaves comprised of three oval leaflets. Flowers are yellow which form in dense clusters. Seeds and young seedpods are cooked and eaten as vegetables. Dried seeds are consumed boiled or grounded into flour.
History
Moth bean is endemic to India and Pakistan where it is grown for food, forage, and cover crop. It is mostly grown in India and also cultivated in the United States, Thailand, Australia, and other parts of Asia. About 1.5 million hectares of land in India is used for the production of Moth beans which produce approximately 0.4 million t/ha of seeds.
Nutritional value of Mothbeans, mature seeds, raw
Calories 672 Kcal. Calories from Fat 28.44 Kcal.
| Proximity | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 18.97 g | N/D |
| Energy | 672 Kcal | N/D |
| Energy | 2813 kJ | N/D |
| Protein | 44.96 g | 89.92% |
| Total Fat (lipid) | 3.16 g | 9.03% |
| Ash | 8.35 g | N/D |
| Carbohydrate | 120.58 g | 92.75% |
| Minerals | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium, Ca | 294 mg | 29.40% |
| Iron, Fe | 21.27 mg | 265.88% |
| Magnesium, Mg | 747 mg | 177.86% |
| Phosphorus, P | 958 mg | 136.86% |
| Potassium, K | 2334 mg | 49.66% |
| Sodium, Na | 59 mg | 3.93% |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.76 mg | 34.18% |
| Copper, Cu | 1.348 mg | 149.78% |
| Manganese, Mn | 3.567 mg | 155.09% |
| Selenium, Se | 16.1 µg | 29.27% |
| Vitamins | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water-soluble Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 1.102 mg | 91.83% |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.178 mg | 13.69% |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 5.488 mg | 34.30% |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 3.009 mg | 60.18% |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.717 mg | 55.15% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 1272 µg | 318.00% |
| Folate, food | 1272 µg | N/D |
| Folate, DEF | 1272 µg | N/D |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 7.8 mg | 8.67% |
| Fat-soluble Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin A, RAE | 4 µg | 0.57% |
| Vitamin A, IU | 63 IU | N/D |
| Lipids | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.713 g | N/D |
| Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid) | 0.613 g | N/D |
| Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid) | 0.1 g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.253 g | N/D |
| Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid) | 0.253 g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.47 g | N/D |
| Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid) | 0.951 g | N/D |
| Linolenic acid 18:3 (Octadecatrienoic acid) | 0.519 g | N/D |
| Amino acids | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Tryptophan | 0.288 g | 65.45% |
| Threonine | 2.23 g | 126.70% |
| Isoleucine | 3.02 g | 180.62% |
| Leucine | 2.446 g | 66.18% |
| Lysine | 0.431 g | 12.89% |
| Methionine | 0.229 g | N/D |
| Cystine | 2.015 g | N/D |
| Phenylalanine | 1.439 g | N/D |
| Tyrosine | 1.511 g | N/D |
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not healthbenefitstimes.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
Health Benefits of Moth Beans
- Strong bones
Moth beans contain calcium which is the mineral vital for maintaining stronger bones and preventing the risk of osteoporosis. It also contains phosphorus which helps to strengthen bones according to experts.
- Enhance immune system
Moth beans are loaded with remarkable nutrients. So its consumption defends the body against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The presence of zinc in Moth beans strengthens the immune system which helps to prevent various sorts of health problems.
- Lowers stress
Zinc acts as an antioxidant that helps to control oxidative stress. It means a daily intake of moth beans is effective for those people having busy lives. An intake of moth beans and other food containing zinc helps to lower the impact of stress on the body.
- Repairment of Muscles
Like other pulses, moth beans are a great source of protein which is essential to build as well as repair muscles. It is a great source of protein for vegetarians who have to obtain protein from food products.
- Assist to reduce weight
With high presence of protein, Moth beans are useful for those who are trying to lose weight. It increases muscle mass that causes the burning of calories. Protein is difficult to digest and it also accelerates a person’s metabolic rate.
- Promote energy levels
Moth beans have vitamin B which is essential to convert food into fuel. Doubtless, add it to the diet pulses if one has to perform strenuous daily activities. Moth beans have zinc which provides stress-reducing properties.
- Promote bowel movement
Moth beans prevent one from constipation as it contains fiber. It promotes regularity and eradicate toxins present in gut. After all moth beans are loaded with fiber which helps to reduce the chances of high blood pressure, heart disease and high cholesterol.
Moth bean recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Moth beans (Soaked in water overnight)
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 2 Onions (Finely chopped)
- 1 Green chilli (Chopped)
- 1 tsp Red chili powder
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds powder
- 1 tsp grated jaggery
- 100 g of tomatoes (Chopped)
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- Chopped Coriander Leaves to garnish
- Salt for taste
Method:
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. After that add green chilies, ginger garlic paste and fry it for a few seconds.
- Add onions and sauté until it becomes lightly browned. Add cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder. Combine well.
- Add garam masala, salt, jaggery, and tomatoes. Fry until the oil separates.
- Drain Moth beans and add it to this paste. Add water covering this mixture and combine well. Boil and cook for 20 minutes by covering or until the Moth Beans are cooked completely.
- Garnish by using coriander leaves. Serve it hot.
Traditional uses
- The consumption of seeds helps to treat fever.
- Apply the poultice made from powder as abscesses.
- It lowers the chances of constipation and stress.
- Moth beans promote blood circulation and assist in managing weight.
- It also assists in growth and development of the body.
- It lowers the chances of heart problems.
Precautions
- People having known allergies should avoid it.
- Consume it in moderate amounts.
- Consult the health practitioner for using it to treat health problems.
How to Eat
- The whole or split bean seeds are cooked or fried.
- In India, seeds are consumed after being sprouted and cooked.
- In India, fried splits are used for making dalia.
- Bean pods are boiled and consumed.
- Seeds could be grounded into flour.
- Young seed pods are used as vegetables.
- In India and Pakistan, the seeds of Moth beans are cooked as vegetables.
- The flour of Moth bean is used for preparing Idli and dosa.
- Moth beans are consumed with rice and Rotis.
References
