From Peggy's website:
What is Edamame?
Edamame are young soybeans in pods. Soybeans are native to East Asia and have been consumed by the Chinese, Japanese and Korean people for over 2,000 years. Asians have enjoyed soybeans in the form of tofu (first known to be used in 164 A.D.); as soymilk; as a tasty ingredient in soups and entrees; and finally as beans eaten directly from boiled pods similar to the Edamame that we eat today.
The word, "Edamame" originates from the Japanese phrase "beans from the branch", likely because soybeans grow in a cluster with stems connecting the pods. The Chinese refer to Edamame as “mao dou”, which is literally translated as “hairy bean”, referring to the fine hair covering the outside of the pods.
Nutritional Benefits of Edamame
Edamame are packed with nutrition. The beans contain many of the organic compounds and amino acids essential for good health and are naturally high in fiber and protein. Beneficial compounds that are found in Edamame include isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein, which act as antioxidants, and alpha-lineolic acid, which may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
