Edamame Beans

The edamame bean is the latest superfood to attract the attention of the media. Edamame means ‘beans on branches’ and are infact just a type of green soyabean picked before they ripen. They look like a cross between a broad bean and a pea. In recent times they have been given a fashionable makeover with stars like Cheryl Cole, Victoria Beckham and Gwenyth Paltrow snacking on them during the day in order to maintain their tiny waists.
The beans orginated in China as a major source of protein since about 200 BC. The beans are highly nutritious and a great replacement for meat as they contain not only protein but fibre, omega 3 and iron. The attraction is that they are apparently packed with life-saving and health boosting qualities. Research shows that a regular intake of soya products have reduced the risk of several types of cancer. Research is currently being carried out on the edamame bean as a possible preventitive against heart disease, the menopause and cancer, aswell as lowering cholesterol.
They are best cooked in boiling water, popped out of the pods and then sprikled with salt. Since becoming a ‘trend’ they are now a very successful dish in both japenese and chinese restaurants. Most major supermarkets stock them; sold in frozen bags either shelled or in their pods. They are relatively cheap retailing at around £3/£4 a bag. I would definitely buy them and include them as part of my weekly diet and asking a couple of my housemates; they would also try them out.