Mung Bean Planting and Harvesting

Mung bean sprouts are often used in Asian cuisine.

Mung beans are commonly used for their sprouts, which make a delicious and healthy addition to salads and many Asian dishes. The beans can also be eaten and are an excellent source of dietary fiber and protein.

Identification

Mung beans can be green, brown or yellow in color. They are about half the size of a soybean and grow to an average height of 24 to 30 inches. Mung beans are native to India and are very popular in Asian countries.

Planting

Mung beans prefer dry, hot climates. Seedlings take about 50 to 60 days to mature, at which point they flower and begin to develop new bean pods. Mung beans require at least 90 days of frost-free weather in order to mature, so plant them after the threat of frost and low temperatures.

Harvesting

Harvest mung beans when 1/2 to 2/3 of the plant pods have matured. A mature mung bean pod usually contains 10 to 15 seeds and is approximately 3 to 4 inches in length.

References

• The Jefferson Institute: Mung Beans Guide
• University of Wisconsin Extension: Mungbean
• Self Nutrition Data: Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Mung Beans