Originating from Asia, edamame (pronounced eh-dah-MAH-may) is the name for young, green soybeans that are picked early in the green pod stage before they harden. (Once edamame pods mature, they become dried beans which are used to make soy products like tofu and soymilk.)
After the edamame pods are harvested and steamed in water, they are eaten by squeezing the beans out (2 to 3 per pod), popping directly into the mouth. They have a sweet, nutty, creamy flavor and are very high in protein.
Edamame is not a common crop, but has been gaining ground in North America in recent years. It’s a low-maintenance crop similar to bush beans, but often has a higher yield. As a legume, it also offers the same soil-health benefits as beans—specifically, it helps to fix nitrogen into the soil, making the soil more nutrient rich for later crops. This makes it a great vegetable to practice crop rotation with!
Edamame is a frost-tender vegetable that can be planted in late spring in a location with full sun (at least 6 hours) and average soil fertility. Two to 4 weeks before planting, dig 1 to 2 inches of compost into the garden bed to provide the plants with sufficient nutrients.
Avoid planting edamame where legumes (beans, peas) were grown in the previous season. This helps to prevent the continuation of diseases and pests, as well as the depletion of nutrients in the soil.
When to Plant Edamame
Edamame requires a growing season of about 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the variety. (See Recommended Varieties, below, for more information.)
Direct-sow seeds in the late spring safely after your last spring frost, when the soil is workable and warmed to at least 55°F (13°C). Air temperatures should have reached at least 60°F (16°C). Don’t rush it. Planting in cold wet soil can cause soybean seeds to rot.
Stagger sowing times; each plant’s pods handily mature all at the same time. For a second harvest, plant again about 10 days later.
How to Plant Edamame
Sow seeds ¼ to ½ of an inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart, in rows 2 feet apart.
Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks.
GROWING
Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart when the plants are 4 inches tall.
Weed shallowly to avoid disturbing the plants’ roots.
Apply compost, leaves, or hay mulch to control weeds and retain moisture.
Water regularly. Edamame tolerates some drought, but yields may suffer.
Like bush beans, edamame plants reach 1 to 3 feet tall and do not typically require staking.
HARVESTING
For the best flavor, harvest edamame pods in the evening when they are 2 to 3 inches long, bright green, and plump. Snap or cut (do not tear) pods off plants. Or uproot the entire plant.
Yellow pods and/or leaves indicate that the peak of flavor and texture has passed.
Harvest dry soybeans when the plant and leaves are dry and brown and the seeds inside the pods rattle. Pull up the plants and hang them in a dark, dry area until the pods are completely dry.
