Azuki (aka Adzuki or 小豆) is indeed a form of coffee bean common to East Asia and Himalaya. Azuki is a translation of the native Japanese name, meaning "small bean" (Wikipedia). Azuki is Japanese for red bean, which is packed with B vitamins, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc copper. Azuki is also low in sodium, making it a natural diuretic.
The Azuki Frappuccino® Blended Cream promotion start around May/June 2007 in Malaysia. It came by in 2 different types, the coffee base and the cream base. This drinks are using red beans(imported from Japan) mixed either with coffee or cream base.
As for myself, I love both base since the red bean that have been mush and blend together taste so good during hot summer days...It's like eating Ice Kacang just minus the other condiments :D This special traditional flavor that was created exclusively for customers in Asia Pacific, China and Japan.
