History
China has cultivated soybeans for millennia, where they are native. Although new evidence suggests that a number of domestications took place in East Asia (including Japan, Korea, and Northern China), some dating back 5,500 years.
Originally used for medicinal purposes, the edamame was first documented in China around 200 BCE, according to researchers at Washington State University. In Japan, edamame is widely popular and is thought to have been introduced by the Chinese.
Fun Facts
“Edamame” comes from the Japanese words “eda” and “mame” meaning “branch” and “bean.”
Health Benefits
A number of health benefits are associated with edamame. Type II diabetics should consider it a good snack option since it has a low glycemic index. Other health benefits of edamame include reduce breast cancer risk, decrease level of bad cholesterol, and decrease Menopause Symptoms.
Plant-based protein is abundant in edamame. Additionally, it contains excellent amounts of vitamin C, folate, calcium, and iron.
When to Plant Edamame
When the last frost date has passed and the soil has warmed up, late spring or early summer would be the best time to plant edamame. It usually occurs in late April or early May.
A warm-weather crop, edamame grows best between 68°F and 86°F (20°C and 30°C). It’s important to choose a location that has well-drained soil and full sun for edamame. During the growing season, make sure the soil is evenly moist. Depending on the variety, edamame seeds are commonly spaced 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) between rows and 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) between rows.
Harvesting
A typical edamame plant takes 80 to 100 days to mature, which means you can expect to harvest your pods around mid-August or mid-September if you plant in late April or early May.
Companion Plants for Edamame
The best companion plants to grow with edamame are squash, celery, strawberries, and corn.
Summary
The edamame is an ancient soybean used for medicinal purposes. It was first documented in China around 200 BCE and is widely popular in Japan. It has a low glycemic index, reduces breast cancer risk, decreases bad cholesterol, and decreases Menopause Symptoms. It is best planted in late spring or early summer and grows best between 68°F and 86°F (20°C and 30°C). Companion plants for edamame include squash, celery, strawberries, and corn.
