Edamame doesn't become soybean; rather, edamame is simply a soybean that is harvested early. It is a young, green stage of the very same plant that produces the dried, mature soybeans used for tofu, soy milk, and other products.
Understanding the Soybean Plant Stages
The difference between what we call "edamame" and "soybean" (in the context of dried beans) lies in the maturity of the bean when it is harvested.
- Edamame: As the reference states, edamame is an Americanization of eda mame, which refers to soybeans that are "grown until they are filled out in the pod, but still green". These pods are typically harvested while the plant is still vibrant and green. The beans inside are soft, tender, and have a distinct sweet, nutty flavor. They are often boiled or steamed in the pod and eaten as a snack or appetizer.
- Mature Soybean: If the soybean plant is allowed to continue growing past the edamame stage, the pods and beans will mature. The pods will dry out and turn brown or yellow, and the beans inside will harden and lose their vibrant green color, typically becoming beige or yellow. These mature, dried soybeans are then harvested.
Key Differences: Edamame vs. Mature Soybean
Here's a simple comparison:
| Feature | Edamame | Mature Soybean |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest Stage | Early; beans are still green and tender | Late; beans are dried and hard |
| Color | Green | Typically beige, yellow, brown, or black (when dried) |
| Texture | Soft, tender | Hard, dry |
| Flavor | Sweet, nutty, fresh | Mild, beany; requires cooking/processing |
| Typical Use | Snack, appetizer, addition to salads/dishes | Tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, oil, animal feed |
The Growing Process
The process starts with planting soybean seeds. The plant grows, flowers, and produces pods.
- Pod Formation: Small pods begin to form containing tiny beans.
- Edamame Stage: The beans grow larger and fill out the pod but remain green and soft. This is the point where edamame is harvested.
- Maturation Stage: If not harvested, the plant continues to grow. The pods and beans dry out, and the plant senesces (ages and dies back). The beans become hard.
- Mature Soybean Harvest: The dried pods containing the hard beans are harvested.
So, think of edamame as a young vegetable and the mature soybean as a pulse or dried bean. They are two different harvest stages of the same plant, Glycine max.
For more information on soybeans and their cultivation, you can research agricultural resources or botanical guides.
