Instructions: Edamame, aka "sweet soybeans", is simply young soy beans. They are harvested before they reach maturity and are the fresh form of soybeans. Mature soybeans are dried. They are consumed in bars in Japan much in the same way we eat peanuts with our drinks.

Most edamame (at least in this country) are found frozen, although you might be able to find fresh pods in an Asian market during the summer. To my knowledge, Ive never had the fresh beans. Look for them in the vegetable, "nutritional", or specialty section of the freezer in a well-stocked grocery store. (Our local Kroger even carries them now.) Most HFS carry frozen edamame, and all Asian groceries will have them.

Cooked edamame is also available at most sushi bars, but may not be on the menu.

To prepare them for eating, simply empty the bag into a pot of boiling water. Return to a boil, and cook for 4-6 minutes. (Directions will also be on the bag.) Do not overcook them; you want to get rid of the raw taste, but you dont want them soft or mushy. Pour into a colander, sprinkle with salt if you like, and serve. (I usually cool them a bit by running cold water over them.) They are good hot, warm, or cold. You can make a large batch at once, and refrigerate the extra. I like to keep them on hand for a quick and healthy snack.

The most popular way to eat them is right from the pod; you simply squeeze the pod, and the beans pop into your mouth. Discard the pods.

You can also find shelled frozen edamame which can be added to soups, stews, stir-fries, salads, etc. A favorite vegetable medley, that Kathleen introduced to me, is the Birds Eye Baby Broccoli Blend which also has sweet soybeans (edamame), carrots, and water chestnuts.

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