Edamame, young green soybeans, are a delicious and nutritious snack or addition to meals. They're packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like folate and vitamin K, making them great for heart health, digestion, and overall well-being. Edamame has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a tender yet firm texture, making it a satisfying option whether enjoyed on its own or added to salads, stir-fries, and more. Plus, it's a fantastic plant-based protein source, perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to add more wholesome foods to their diet. In Japan, immature unopened green soybeans are called edamame: their name is literally derived from eda, meaning ?branch? or ?stem,? and mame, or ?bean.? Scientific name: Glycine max Growing soybeans for edamame is a rewarding process! Here's a step-by-step guide: ### 1. **Choosing the Right Variety:** - Select a variety specifically bred for edamame, often labeled as "vegetable soybeans." Some popular varieties include 'Envy,' 'Midori Giant,' and 'Sayamusume.' ### 2. **Planting:** - **Timing:** Plant soybeans in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed to at least 60F (16C). Soybeans need about 70-100 days of warm weather to mature. - **Location:** Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. - **Soil Preparation:** Enrich the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve fertility and drainage. - **Sowing:** Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 2-4 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. Water well after planting. ### 3. **Growing:** - **Watering:** Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Soybeans require about 1 inch of water per week. - **Weeding:** Keep the area weed-free, especially in the early stages of growth. - **Fertilizing:** If your soil is poor, you might consider using a balanced fertilizer, but soybeans generally don?t need much additional fertilizer since they fix nitrogen in the soil. ### 4. **Pest and Disease Management:** - **Pests:** Watch out for pests like aphids, beetles, and caterpillars. You can use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed. - **Diseases:** Rotate crops and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. ### 5. **Harvesting:** - **Timing:** Harvest the pods when they are bright green, plump, and immature, typically when 80-90% of the pods are filled with beans but before they start to turn yellow. This usually happens about 70-90 days after planting. - **Method:** Cut the entire plant or pick the pods individually by hand. ### 6. **Using Edamame:** - **Preparation:** To prepare edamame, boil the pods in salted water for 3-5 minutes, then drain and serve. You can eat them plain or with a sprinkle of salt or seasoning. - **Storage:** Fresh edamame can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. You can also blanch and freeze the pods for longer storage. Growing soybeans for edamame is relatively easy and can provide a nutritious and tasty addition to your meals! =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Seed Shipping: Flat Rate Low Shipping fee- no matter how many seeds you order! Add this item to your cart and keep shopping-- at https://www.ebay.ca/usr/okiger-2i55iwk =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Shipping of Seeds and Cuttings: Orders are shipped via Canada Post Mail unless otherwise specified. Some items are shipped without tracking to keep costs low. This is the most economical option. Canada Post is incredibly reliable, but can be slow. If you require tracking or a faster delivery please message before ordering. We try to ship any live plants on MONDAYS or TUESDAYS as a precautionary measure to avoid delays over the weekend and ensure the viability of live plant orders. Weather may be a contributing factor in the processing of our orders and will occasionally cause some delay. We will ship seeds anywhere in the world, however, please make sure you check with your country's customs office to be sure that they are allowed in. We will not be held responsible for orders held, confiscated and/or destroyed by customs. Please note this and make sure you understand before you buy it. If you have a question or if you are unclear about shipping policies please contact us. We welcome questions! Contact us before, after, or during any transaction and you will receive a reply ASAP. Thanks for visiting! Don't forget to bookmark us!