Edamame are young, sweet, green soybeans harvested while still tender. Sometimes you will see them referred to as Japanese soybeans because “eda” means branch or twig and “mame” is bean in Japanese.
Look for fresh, shelled edamame in the produce section of many grocery stores. They are also sold frozen, both in the pod and shelled.
A fun fact about edamame is that the word was first found in an English-language publication in 1951. But edamame and its definition (immature green soybeans, usually in the pod) was added to the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary as a new word only in 2008.
Edamame is used as a source of protein in many vegetarian recipes. Half a cup of edamame contains about eight grams of protein. Like many other beans, edamame also has fibre, with four grams per 1/2 cup serving.
A popular way to enjoy edamame is to steam or boil them in their pods in salted water. Remove them and pop the beans out of their pods and then lightly salt them.
Edamame pods are not edible.
Celery Slaw with Edamame
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
If you buy edamame frozen in the pod and uncooked, cook them in a medium saucepan of boiling water for five minutes. Drain and refresh them under cold water.
4 large, tender celery ribs
1 carrot, peeled
1 cup cooked edamame
2 green onions, white and tender green parts, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
2 Tbsp coarsely chopped celery leaves
1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp canola oil
1/2 tsp celery seed
In a food processor or with a sharp knife, slice the celery and carrot as thinly as possible.
Put the celery and carrot in a bowl of ice water and crisp them for 15 minutes. Drain and pat them dry. Wipe out the bowl and return the celery and carrot to it.
Add the edamame, green onions, cilantro and celery leaves and toss well. In another bowl, whisk the rice wine vinegar with the oil and celery seed.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables; toss and serve.
