Edamame have been a favored healthy and tasty snack in East Asia for centuries. Now this sweet and nutty treat is gaining popularity in the United States. Meaning “Beans on Branches” in Japanese, edamame grow in clusters on bushy plants and are harvested right at the peak of ripening. These soybeans still in the pod are then parboiled in saltwater and then quick frozen to seal in the flavor.
With a nutty and sweet flavor, edamame are a powerful source of protein, as they provide 12 grams of protein for every 100 grams of bean. Along with
protein, edamame are low in fat, rich in calcium, iron, folate and vitamin C. Popular uses of this vegetable can range from using in stir-fry’s, salads, stews, sushi sides or taking a quick bite out one for a snack.