Ingredient: Edamame Beans
Edamame, which translates to “branch bean” in Japanese, refers to young soya beans that are harvested before they ripen or harden and are commonly found in the pod. These beans need to be boiled or steamed before serving as a healthy and yummy snack or starter. They are typically enjoyed by popping the beans out of the pod and sprinkling them with salt or chilli flakes. You can find them frozen or fresh, with or without the pod, just remember not to eat the pod – It’s only the beans that are edible.
These little beans are packed with phytoestrogens which can help to balance hormones and they also pack a nutritional punch! Edamame are a nutritional powerhouse, boasting high levels of protein, fibre, and essential nutrients such as folate, vitamin K, and manganese as well as plant-based iron and calcium. You can also use these beans to bump up the protein in soups, stir fries, and salads as they are a good source of plant-based protein and contain all the essential amino acids.
