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One of the healthiest and tastiest legumes, edamame are awesome just steamed and served with sea salt and lemon juice. But it can be equally enjoyed without much hassle in salads and purees. They are the next generation in snack food, and incredibly healthy for you too! |
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Edamameed-ah-MAH-may Fresh Green Soybeans Origin: China, but now grown all over the world. In Japan, the summer season is when the edamame are harvested and found in homes throughout the country The pods that hold the beans are about 2 inches long, similar to the familiar snap pea, but with a darker skin that is covered with a soft downy fuzz. Inside the pods, there are usually 2-3 beans that become a brilliant yellow-green color when boiled. Once a little known food, edamame have begun showing up on menus and in recipes beyond those of strictly Japanese origin. This is due in part to the rise in popularity of Asian flavors and cooking styles. Where to Find: Check Asian, whole health and even some regular grocery stores for both the frozen pods and shelled beans. If you have a diverse produce market in your area, you may be able to locate the fresh pods. Look for beans that are plump and heavy for their size. The fresh pods should be stored in a breathable bag, at room temperature. To Use: Each recipe may differ, but in general the beans must be removed from the shell and boiled in salted water or steamed before using. Health Attributes: Apart from grains, beans and legumes are the most consumed food throughout the world. They win points with their nutritive properties: high in protein, but with none of the cholesterol found in many animal protein sources, abundant in energy producing complex carbohydrates and a great source of soluble fiber, which has been shown to help lower serum cholesterol. Best Way to Enjoy: Rub the whole pod in the palm of your hand with a small amount of kosher salt. This will remove most of the fuzz on the outside of the pod. Boil in salted water for 3-5 minutes, until bright green. Drain, let dry and toss with more kosher salt while still warm. To eat, squeeze or bite the bottom of the pod, which will pop out the bean. Be warned, with their buttery-fresh flavor and crisp-tender texture, edamame can become as addictive as a bowl of peanuts. |
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