Edamame Tammy Green (aka Zesmerelda) from Chicago Upscale Dining + Lounge Republic Pan-Asian Restaurant [... / CC BY-SA 2.0
garden

Edamame

Overview

Young, green soybeans harvested at their peak of sweetness and nutrition, edamame has been enjoyed in East Asian cuisine for over 2,000 years. Unlike dried soybeans, edamame is eaten fresh or frozen and has a buttery, slightly nutty flavor. It's one of the few plant foods that provides a complete protein with all essential amino acids.

Companion Planting & Soil

Good Companions

CornSquashPotatoCelery

Avoid Planting Near

OnionGarlicFennel
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeFertile, well-drained loam with consistent moisture

Planting Calendar

When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.

ZoneActionMonthsNotes
Cold (1-2) Direct Sow Jun — Jun Direct sow after soil reaches 60°F; choose short-season variety (75 days)
Cold (1-2) Harvest Aug — Sep Harvest when pods are plump and bright green; 75-90 days
Cool (3-4) Direct Sow May — Jun Direct sow when soil is 60°F+; inoculate seed with rhizobia
Cool (3-4) Harvest Jul — Sep Harvest when pods are plump; entire plant at once
Moderate (5-7) Direct Sow May — Jun Direct sow when soil is 60°F; space 4-6" apart
Moderate (5-7) Harvest Jul — Sep Pull whole plant and strip pods; blanch immediately
Warm (8-9) Direct Sow Mar — May Sow in spring; succession sow for extended harvest
Warm (8-9) Harvest Jun — Aug Harvest when pods are bright green and plump
Hot (10+) Direct Sow Feb — Apr Sow in early spring; harvest before summer peak
Hot (10+) Harvest May — Jul Harvest before extreme heat

Uses

Culinary

  • Boiled in salted water as a snack or appetizer
  • Shelled into salads, grain bowls, and stir-fries
  • Pureed into a bright green hummus alternative

Medicinal

  • Complete plant protein with all essential amino acids
  • High in isoflavones studied for bone and heart health
  • Rich in folate, vitamin K, and manganese

Other Uses

  • Nitrogen-fixing crop that improves soil
  • Short-season variety available for cool climates