Edamame Delivery or Pickup

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.

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.

Let Instacart help you select the best edamame. Open your Instacart app, add edamame to your cart, and let an Instacart shopper get started on your order. The best part is that you can have your edamame delivered to your door in as little as 2 hours!

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.