Anko

Anko is a sweet red bean paste used widely in Japanese cuisine, especially in desserts. Made from cooked azuki beans mixed with sugar, it has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet flavor. Anko can be prepared into different textures—smooth or chunky—and is often used as filling for sweets like mochi, dorayaki, and taiyaki. It's valued for its natural sweetness and cultural significance, representing a traditional ingredient that adds depth and flavor to a variety of Japanese confections.