These immature soy beans are sweeping the healthy snack community, have you tried them yet? (Don't worry, until my son brought them home from a birthday party two years ago, I'd never heard of Edamame either).
Ignore, for a moment, the words soy and beans while I convince you that green and healthy food isn't always bad. First, they don't require a lot of work to taste good - steamed with a little salt and pepper is delicious! Second, Edamame is a source of complete protein (has all 9 amino acids, just like eating meat) and provides 20-25% of the average adult's recommended intake. Third, and most important, my kid will eat them. Not only will he eat them, he will eat them without catsup. To explore the magic of this healthy treat for yourself, check out these recipes and fun facts below!
Did you know:
-Most of the Edamame found in stores has been steamed and then frozen - it's ready to eat!
-The entire Edamame bean is edible (pod and all)!
-We have evidence of Edamame as a domesticated food source nearly 1000 years ago.
Breakfast: Vegetable Frittata with Edamame
Lunch: Spinach and Arugula Salad with Edamame
Dinner: Chicken Stir fry
Snack: Edamame Dip
Daily Protein Requirements: Are You Getting Enough? Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/protein
Hirst, K. K.. Edamame is the Same Species as Field or Grain Soybeans--Amazing! Retrieved from http://archaeology.about.com/od/Domesticated-Plants/fl/Edamame-History-How-the-Soybean-Became-an-Edible-Side-Dish.htm
Magee, E. The Secrets of Edamame. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-secret-of-edamame#1
USDA Basic Report 11212, Edamame, frozen, prepared. Retrieved from https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2965?fg=&man=&lfacet=&count=&max=50&qlookup=11212&offset=&sort=default&format=Abridged&reportfmt=other&rptfrm=&ndbno=&nutrient1=&nutrient2=&nutrient3=&subset=&totCount=&measureby=&Qv=0&Q5600=1&Qv=1&Q5600=1