Edamame Bean Seed Green Shell

Also known as Soy Beans these have become a new favourite with restaurants so why not try growing your own for maximum flavour and goodness.

Each pod contains up to three green beans and the cases are a little hairy and fairly short for a bean pod! But what is packed inside them is full of goodness and high in protein.  The beans should be cooked before eating. They have a lovely nutty flavour and are commonly served salted.  In Japan they are quite a delicacy and are often eaten as a snack.

They are best picked before they are fully ripe as they tend to be sweeter and are best eaten fresh because after the first ten hours their flavour decreases (so what better crop to grow yourself!). They can also be blanched and frozen.

The name 'edamame' comes from the Japanese and means 'steam bean'. They are so called as they were often sold whilst still attached to the stem.  They were first documented by a Japanese monk in 1275.

• Half Hardy Annual.
• Sow late spring.
• Plant out approximately 6" (15 cms) apart.
• Crop late summer/early autumn
• Reach approximately 3 feet (90 cms) tall.
• Like a sunny position.
• Culinary Uses.
• Great steamed, boiled and stir fried.
• Can be added to casseroles, soup, stews (particularly as a vegetarian option).
• Delicious served with a garlic or avocado dip.
• Can be blanched and frozen to maintain freshness.
  
  
• Medical Uses.
• It is thought they may help to reduce cholesterol.
• High in protein (particularly important for vegans).
• Good source of vitamin K and antioxidants.
• Thought to help reduce bone loss in the older generations (because of the rich content of isoflavones).

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.