Eda-Whaty? Common Questions About Edamame

Not sure what all the fuss concerning edamame is about? The following F.A.Q.s will help provide you with a little more perspective on North America’s newest health food trend.

 

Q. What is edamame?

Edamame are young soybeans that are harvested as a vegetable. Available in the pod (traditional) or shelled (used in recipes), edamame is a popular snack in many Asian cultures.

IMG_4540-sized

Return to Top

 

Q. What are some of the health benefits associated with edamame?

A ½ cup of edamame includes a healthy helping of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. Here’s a look at some of the health benefits hidden in a ½ cup of shelled edamame, or a 1 1/8 cup of edamame in the pod (source: WebMD.com):

Health Benefits

  • 120 calories
  • 9 grams fiber
  • 2.5 grams fat
  • 1.5 grams polyunsaturated fat (0.3 grams plant omega-3 fatty acids)
  • 0.5 gram monounsaturated fat
  • 11 grams protein
  • 13 grams carbohydrate
  • 15 mg sodium
  • 10% of the Daily Value for vitamin C
  • 10% Daily Value for iron
  • 8% Daily Value for vitamin A

Return to Top

 

Q. Will eating edamame make me live longer?

IMG_4538-sizeHealth research has shown that Asian countries, where soy foods have been a diet staple for centuries, have lower recorded rates of heart disease, cancer and severe menopause symptoms. Research has also shown that these legumes may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Return to Top

 

Q. Your packaging says non GMO. What does that mean?

IMG_4529-sizedNon-GMO indicates that we do not use genetic engineering to alter out edamame seeds.

Return to Top

 

Q. Where is edamame grown?

Nearly all of the frozen edamame consumed in North America is currently imported from farms and processors in China. Interested in learning more about this super food? Then feel free to contact our farm directly for more information.

Return to Top

 

Q. What is the difference between soybeans and edamame?

The main difference between soybeans and edamame is the age of the bean. Soybeans are mature when they are harvested; edamame beans are young and soft when they are plucked from the branch. What’s more,edamame beans are much larker and more flavourful then traditional soybeans. Finally, our edamame products are harvested as a simple vegetable with no flavours or additives whereas many other soybean products are heavily processed with chemicals and flavouring.

 

Return to Top

 

Q. How fresh is the edamame from MacKellar Farms?

Our edamame is the freshest you’ll find! That’s because our entire process – from harvesting to freezing – takes just six hours. Open a bag today and it’s almost like you picked the beans from the branches yourself!

Return to Top

 

Q. Why should I buy Canadian-grown edamame?

There are many benefits to buying Canadian-grown edamame. First, you know where and how the beans are grown. Second, you can feel good about supporting a local farming family; and third, it tastes delicious! Our fresh, edamame is good for you and produced in a manner that’s good for the planet, so what’s not to love?

Return to Top

 

Q. What does edamame taste like?

Edamame has a slightly nutty flavor. If you enjoy broad beans, but prefer something with a stronger taste, edamame is a great choice.

Return to Top