Edamame Time of Year

When edamame becomes part of the U-Pick list, it is the height of U-Pick at the farm. As with other veggies, check toward the bottom of the plants to find the beans that are filled out the most. Hold the branch with one hand and gently pull the pods off the plant.

Edamame are a great, low calorie, snack and is actually a green/fresh soybean. It is a complete protein and is high in calcium, vitamin C and other essential nutrients. The whole pods keep well for 5-7 days in a plastic container in the fridge. Edamame shouldn't be eaten raw. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a lot of salt - a couple of tablespoons for 6 qt pot is not too much. Boil the beans - watch carefully, because they do tend to boil over - around 10 minutes. You don't want them mushy, I think al dente is a good term for how you want them cooked.

Drain and run under cold water and drain well again. They can be placed in a large bowl with just salt and eaten right out of the pod as a snack - honestly, that is how most of my edamame are used. In addition to salt, cumin, pepper, paprika and/or other spices may be added for variation.

Edamame may be frozen either in their shell or out. For best results, spread them out on a cookie sheet and freeze. Once frozen, place in a freezer bag or container. Freezing this way keeps them from freezing into a solid block.

Edamame can be used in any recipe calling for lima beans or fava beans. We have several recipes on this site. I think the Edamame Hummus might be the most popular.