There is a lot of talk about this food, but really, what is it? Where does it come from? And why is it conquering so many homes? edamame is originally from China and has been consumed for more than 2000 years, however, it seems that it has landed strongly in Spain in recent years.
It is true that many people already recognized it as a typical appetizer in Japanese restaurants, but if we wanted to buy it to enjoy at home, it was necessary to go to specialized stores. Fortunately, that has changed, and today we find it in most supermarkets.
El edamame It is here to stay. It has won over many people and we are sure that it will continue to gain presence in more homes thanks to its magnificent health properties, its nutritional benefits and how easy it is to include it in our diet.
Below we will break down in detail What is edamame, its properties, benefits, how to prepare it and where to buy itYou'll be surprised how easy it is to incorporate it as a daily snack or even as part of your favorite recipes.
What is edamame
As we mentioned, edamame it is a legume, specifically the young shoot of the soybean, harvested before the plant reaches full maturity. This peculiarity is what gives the pods their tender texture and characteristic flavour. In fact, its name literally means “branch bean” in Japanese.
This food has a fascinating history. Its origin dates back to the thirteenth century, when Buddhist monk Nichiren mentioned edamame in a thank-you note to his faithful. Later, in the 80s, it gained greater popularity in the United States thanks to its inclusion in Japanese food restaurants, and from there it spread to the rest of the world.
In today's market, edamame is often found with or without shell, and can be purchased fresh or frozen. Due to its versatility, it has become a prominent ingredient in the Western diet, often associated with healthy trends such as vegan or fitness diets.
Edamame properties
Edamame stands out for its impressive nutritional profile. In addition to being low in calories, it is suitable for celiacs It does not contain gluten, and is completely free of cholesterol and saturated fats. This food is composed of a rich variety of essential micronutrients, such as:
- Vegetal protein: Ideal for those looking for alternative sources to animal proteins.
- Fiber: It contributes to good digestive health and generates a feeling of satiety.
- Vitamins: Such as vitamin C, K and B9 (folic acid).
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium.
These nutrients make it a superfood to include in any balanced diet. But beyond its basic nutrition, edamame has specific benefits that you should know about:
Benefits of edamame
- Cardiovascular protection: By not containing harmful fats and being rich in fiber, it helps reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), promoting better heart health.
- Antioxidant effect: Its isoflavones help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of degenerative diseases.
- Weightloss: Its satiating effect can be a great ally for those seeking to control their weight.
- Improved bone density: It is ideal for preventing osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Hormonal control: Thanks to isoflavones, it can relieve symptoms associated with menopause.
How to eat edamame
One of the main advantages of edamame is its simplicity of preparationTraditionally, it is cooked by boiling the pods in water with a pinch of salt for 3 to 5 minutes. The water is then drained and served in a bowl, either hot or cold.
To consume it, simply remove the seeds from the pod using your teeth or with the help of your hands, easily sliding them from their shell. These can be seasoned with flake salt, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or even spices such as pepper, cayenne or ginger.
Edamame can also be added to salads, rice dishes, poke bowls, or even as a topping for soups and stews. You can also stir-fry it with soy sauce and garlic to create a more flavorful dish.
Where to buy edamame
Fortunately, it is easy to find edamame in many supermarkets these days. Here are some options:
- Mercadona: Available in 500 gram frozen format.
- Lidl: Presented in 400 gram bags, also frozen.
- Crossroads: It sells fresh edamame ready to eat.
- Alcampo: It offers the ultra-frozen product in 300-gram packages.
Its price usually ranges from €1,80 to €3,75, depending on the brand and format. A small investment for a versatile and nutritious food!
Discovering edamame has been a game changer in the way we approach healthy snacks. Whether as a snack between meals or as an ingredient in your favorite recipes, make sure to give this edamame a try. delicious superfood which is becoming a favorite of many.