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Edible Soybean - Edamame
Edamame is a green vegetable more commonly known as a soybean, harvested at the peak of ripening right before it reaches the "hardening" time. The word Edamame means "Beans on Branches," and it grows in clusters on bushy branches. To retain the freshness and its natural flavor, it is parboiled and quick-frozen. In East Asia, the soybean has been used for over two thousand years as a major source of protein.There are plenty of articles available detailing the benefits of consuming soybeans. They are an excellent source of protein, as well as a good source of calcium, phosphorous, and vitamins A and C.
Storing / Preserving:
Edamame freeze very well. Boil them, pods and all in salted water for 10 minutes. Plunge into an ice water bath. Drain well on clean kitchen towels. Place in plastic bags and freeze. The beans can be removed from the pods prior to freezing, but this is not necessary. The "hummus" recipe, located on this website also freezes well.
Preparation / Use Suggestions:
Boil the pods in the unsalted or salted water for 10 minutes and then shell the beans inside and discard the pods. In China and other areas, the shelled raw edible soybeans are cooked with meat or mixed with other vegetables for various dishes. Beans are very tasty and delicious.

Edamame is consumed as a snack, a vegetable dish, used in soups or processed into sweets. As a snack, the pods are lightly boiled in salted water, and then the seeds are squeezed directly from the pods into the mouth with the fingers.