Glycine max, commonly known as Edamame or Soy Beans, is a nutrient-packed legume prized for its tender, immature beans harvested at their peak of flavor. Popular in Asian cuisine, Edamame is valued for its creamy texture, nutty flavor, and high protein content. This versatile crop is ideal for home gardens, offering a healthy and delicious addition to meals.
Characteristics:
• Plant Description: Edamame plants are compact and bushy, growing up to 60–90 cm tall. They feature trifoliate green leaves and small white or purple flowers that develop into fuzzy pods containing 2–3 green seeds each. • Flavor Profile: The beans have a creamy, slightly sweet, and nutty taste, making them a favorite snack or side dish when steamed or boiled. • Climate Adaptability: Thrives in temperate to subtropical climates, requiring warm temperatures and well-drained soil.
Uses and Benefits:
• Culinary Applications: • Fresh Edamame: Often steamed or boiled and lightly salted, making a perfect snack or appetizer. • Culinary Versatility: Used in salads, stir-fries, soups, and grain bowls for added texture and nutrition. • Nutritious Addition: Ideal for vegetarian and vegan diets, offering a plant-based protein boost. • Nutritional Value: A powerhouse of protein, dietary fiber, iron, and essential amino acids. Rich in isoflavones and antioxidants, Edamame supports heart health, bone strength, and weight management. • Medicinal Properties: Known to help regulate blood sugar, improve digestion, and support overall wellness.
Cultivation:
• Sowing: • Sow seeds at a depth of 2–3 cm in fertile, well-drained soil, spacing them 10–15 cm apart in rows 30–45 cm apart. • Plant in late spring or early summer, ensuring soil temperatures are consistently warm. • Germination: Seeds germinate within 5–7 days under optimal conditions. • Growth Conditions: • Prefers full sun and requires consistent moisture, especially during pod formation. Avoid waterlogging. • Grows best in loamy or sandy soils enriched with organic matter. • Harvesting: • Harvest pods when they are plump and bright green, usually 70–80 days after sowing. Use immediately or freeze for long-term storage.
Unique Features:
• Fresh Snack Delight: Edamame offers a unique combination of creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a popular snack worldwide. • Nutritional Excellence: High in protein and fiber, it is a healthy addition to any diet. • Easy to Grow: Ideal for small gardens or container planting, with minimal maintenance required.
Growing Tips:
• Use organic compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility. • Provide consistent watering during flowering and pod development for optimal yield. • Harvest regularly to encourage the plant to produce more pods.
Shipping:
Available for shipping within India and worldwide. Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 weeks.