What Is Edamame?
The word “edamame” comes from Japanese, and it means “beans on a branch.” As you might expect, edamame are young soybeans that are harvested before maturing and usually sold still in the pod.
The origins of edamame stretch back to 1600’s Japan. While there’s no definitive answer as to the origins of edamame, some believe that it was first consumed as a famine food.
Another theory suggests that edamame was an aristocratic food that was available only during a short period of time in the summer.
Edamame is popular in Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. However, this legume has been gaining global notoriety thanks to its versatility and nutrient potential.
What Are the Health Benefits of Edamame?
Edamame is a good source of vitamins. For example, one cup of edamame (155 grams) contains 41.4 micrograms of vitamin K, which is equal to 52% of the daily recommended value (RV). It also provides 482 micrograms of folate (121% RV) and 0.3 grams of thiamin (21% RV).
Furthermore, not only is this legume a good source of protein (155 grams provide 16.9 grams of protein equivalent to 34% of the RV), it also provides whole protein, that is, protein that contains all the amino acids necessary in the human diet.
Although more research is necessary to really understand the health benefits of immature soybeans, experts believe that this legume may lower cholesterol and reduce bone loss, as well as mitigate menopausal symptoms.
More Interesting Food Facts
At Chef Gourmet we know good food, and we love sharing that knowledge with you. If this blog whetted your appetite for more food facts, below are some previous posts you may find interesting:
- Are potatoes good for you?
- How to make marinara sauce: 3 delicious tips
- How chicken became a global food
- Why is it important to eat vegetables?
- How Tomatoes Conquered the World
- Soba Noodles: Everything You Need to Know
Try Our Edamame Pasta!
At Chef Gourmet, we are such fans of this Japanese specialty that have included Edamame Pasta in our menu for Gourmet prepared meals.
We work with local suppliers we know and trust. Thanks to this philosophy, we can support our communities while offering you dishes made with the freshest ingredients.
Contact us today by telephone (1-888-536-5269), email, or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about our menus and our wide array of services: Corporate Lunch Boxes, Full-Service Catering, Coffee Services, and Gourmet Prepared Meals.
