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Edamame Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to edamame products
About edamame
Edamame (eh-DAH-ma-meh) is a type of soybean that includes tempeh, miso, and tamari. However, unlike the other types of soybeans, edamame can be eaten without being processed. Its name translates to "beans on a branch," since you can pick the pods off the branches and eat them as they are. Technically, edamame is considered legumes since you can eat these beans directly off the plant.
Although edamame has gained popularity in western culture, it's actually been around for thousands of years, first harvested in China. They were then introduced in Japan and remain a huge part of Asian dishes. Edamame took off in the United States around the 1970s when consumers sought more organic and natural foods. Since then, it's been used as an appetizer, snack food, and parts of various dishes.
Despite coming from the same types of soybeans that make tofu, edamame and tofu taste completely different. Edamame has more flavor and features a sweet buttery taste that entices many palates. There's a hint of pea flavor with some nuttiness. However, its texture is firmer than that of a pea.
How to tell if edamame is ripe
Edamame is in season between June and September. When picked, the edamame is young and green, giving it a soft and edible texture. If you're picking fresh edamame, you might find beans that are still in their pods with the stems attached or ones that are already shelled and ready to cook. Each large pod has a hairy exterior and contains between two to four beans. Select pods or beans that are bright green and firm to the touch; the pods should have a slightly fuzzy exterior. Avoid ones that have turned brown, as that signals they're overripe.
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How to store edamame
Fresh edamame begins to lose its flavor and becomes starchier right after it's been harvested. It's best to prepare the edamame within one to two days after purchase. However, you can place it in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for four to seven days. You can also cook up a batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
If you want to save the edamame for later, you can blanch and freeze the pods. Cook the edamame in its pods, cool, and then place in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. You can also shell the beans and place those in an airtight container. Using this method helps the beans last between eight months to one year.
Edamame Near Me
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FAQs about edamame
You have numerous options when it comes to eating edamame, as you can prepare it hot or cold, shelled, or eaten straight from the pod.
- Baked: Remove the bean from the pod, drizzle with seasonings, and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Boiled or steamed: Add the in-shell edamame to a pot of boiling, salted water, and cook for five to six minutes until the pods are tender.
- Pan-fried: For a smoky taste, cook the edamame in a hot frying pan set over high heat. Lightly char them on one side, and turn them to cook on the other side.
- Steamed: Place 1 inch of water in a pot, and bring it to a boil. Place the edamame in a steaming basket or colander above the water. Cover the pot, and steam for five to 10 minutes.
One of the reasons why edamame is so popular is that it's a complete plant-based protein. It's as good in quality as animal protein, yet it doesn't contain any saturated fat. It has all the amino acids needed to maintain muscles, healthy blood, and hormone balance. Like other soybeans, edamame has natural levels of phytoestrogens, which can alleviate symptoms of perimenopause. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially folate and vitamin K. Edamane also has a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce your risk for heart disease.
Although the two are part of the legume family and have a similar appearance, they're vastly different foods. Edamame is much thicker than the sugar snap peas, and they might only have a few beans on the inside, whereas the peas have several beans inside the pod. You also open edamame pods to eat the beans inside. While edamame has twice as many calories compared to peas, they also have three times the protein and more potassium.