Soybeans/Edamame

By definition, edamame means “beans on branches,” and they sure are a healthy snack!

For years, we’ve enjoyed wok cooking and becoming sushi aficionados, mastering our chopsticks and learning to love the exotic flavors and textures of many Asian cultures. And for a while now, an Asian soybean, known as edamame, has gotten a lot of tasty attention because, once we try its sweet, nutty taste, we can’t seem to get enough of it!

Edamame grow in clusters on bushy branches. In fact, in East Asia, the soybean has been used for thousands of years as a major source of protein. Here in the U.S., with so many news stories reporting on the benefits of soy in our diets, edamame have gained a place in our diets because they taste great as is, and they make an easy snack, too.

Sometimes we find them fresh in our produce section, but more often they’re available in the freezer case, in pods or shelled. Edamame don’t have an edible pod; only the beans inside are eaten. They’re easy to prepare by simply microwaving or lightly boiling in salted water. Drain them and they’re ready to eat warm or chilled by simply squeezing the beans directly from the pods. They’re often used in stir-fry and skillet meals, as well as appetizers and salads.

Almost anywhere you’d find a bean or a green pea you can find edamame. And with soy being touted as good for us, edamame just might be the way to a tasty and healthier...