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A staple of Japanese cuisine, edamame is gaining in popularity around the globe. This means more growers are trying their hand at growing the seed, thus searching for answers as to when to harvest edamame and how to harvest soybeans. The following contains information harvesting edamame.
Edamame beans are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden Also known as soybeans, these tender green beans packed with protein and fiber are a tasty treat straight from the vine. But determining the perfect time to harvest is key to enjoying edamame at its peak flavor and texture
In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying when edamame is ripe and ready to pick. With the right techniques for harvesting and storage you’ll be enjoying fresh edamame beans all season long.
What is Edamame?
Edamame refers to immature green soybean pods harvested and eaten before the beans inside fully mature and dry This stage offers the sweetest taste and tender crunchy texture edamame is known for,
The beans are typically boiled or steamed still in the pod, then squeezed directly into the mouth. Shelled edamame can be added to salads, stir fries, rice dishes and more.
Edamame is chock full of nutrients including protein, fiber, iron, and vitamin C. The plants grow upright to 2-3 feet tall and produce fuzzy green seed pods in clusters.
When is Edamame Ready to Pick?
Timing is critical when harvesting edamame. Picking too early means smaller, less developed beans with milder flavor. Waiting too long risks beans that are starchy, tough and overly mature.
Check for these signs edamame is at its peak for harvesting:
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Pods are 2-3 inches long. Any shorter and beans are underripe. Over 3 inches, they begin maturing.
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Pods are bright green and feel firm when squeezed.
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Beans inside fill up the pod and feel plump through the fuzzy skin.
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Plants have several clusters of mature pods ready for picking.
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Lower leaves on plants start turning yellow as top pods ripen.
Edamame typically needs 70-100 days from planting to reach ideal ripeness. Fast-maturing varieties can be ready in 60 days while slower ones take up to 120 days.
Begin testing pods at around 75 days after planting to gauge readiness based on taste, texture and seed fill. With experience, you’ll learn the perfect harvest window for your growing conditions and preferred varieties.
How to Pick Edamame
Use the following steps for harvesting edamame at peak flavor:
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Pick in the morning when pods are cool and crisp.
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Gently snap pods off plants by hand or use garden shears.
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Handle carefully to avoid bruising. Bruises lead to spoilage.
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Select only filled, bright green, firm pods. Leave others to continue ripening.
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Keep harvested pods attached in clusters if possible for storage.
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Immediately chill picked pods in ice water or refrigerate.
Proper harvesting technique keeps edamame fresher longer. With practice, you’ll get quick at knowing the right time to pluck pods at their prime.
Storing Freshly Harvested Edamame
To enjoy just-picked edamame, follow these post-harvest storage steps:
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Gently rinse pods under cool water and pat dry. Don’t wash until ready to use.
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Seal pods in plastic bags with excess air removed. Keeping clusters of pods together helps retain moisture.
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Refrigerate immediately, ideally at 32-35°F. High humidity also prevents drying out.
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Use within 7-10 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
With attentive handling and chilling, freshly harvested edamame keeps for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing Edamame for Long-Term Storage
For year-round enjoyment of garden-fresh edamame, freezing is an excellent preservation method. Follow these tips:
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Pick pods when immature and tender. Discard any overripe or damaged pods.
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Blanch in boiling water 1-2 minutes then immediately ice bath to stop cooking.
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Pat dry then pack edamame pods or shelled beans in freezer bags or containers.
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Freeze at 0°F or below. Pods may darken but beans retain flavor.
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Frozen edamame keeps 6-12 months. Defrost before eating.
With the proper harvesting and freezing techniques, you can enjoy nutty, sweet edamame any time of year.
Best Uses for Fresh Edamame
Edamame is endlessly versatile in the kitchen:
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Boil or steam whole pods, then squeeze beans into mouth.
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Toss shelled beans into rice, pasta, stir-fries, and veggie dishes.
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Purée into dips, spreads or silky soups.
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Roast or sauté beans with oil, spices and seasonings.
However you enjoy them, edamame beans are a nutritious treat packed with flavor straight from the garden. Follow these ripening and harvesting tips for the freshest, tastiest edamame beans possible.
When do you Harvest Soybeans?
If you’ve eaten at a Japanese restaurant you’ve likely eaten delicious edamame. Edamame is simply the Japanese name for edible soybeans harvested and eaten when still green rather than dry. Edamame is not only delicious but healthy — high in protein and containing phytochemicals.
Knowing when to harvest edamame can be a bit tricky. Varieties of edamame are classified into maturity groups 0-8 based on their day length requirements. Unfortunately, this rating is rarely provided on seed packages, leaving the grower to rely on an estimate of days from planting to harvest.
Another way to know when to harvest edamame is when the pods are plump yet still a brilliant green. In the pod, the seeds should be touching. Harvest the pods before they begin to yellow, at which point the beans will become starchy rather than sweet.
When & How To Harvest Edamame (Soybeans) – 2 Ways!
FAQ
How to know when edamame is ripe?
When to Harvest Edamame. Edamame should be harvested when the pods are full-sized and bright green.Mar 30, 2023
How do you know when edamame is done?
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the frozen edamame and 1 teaspoon of salt. Boil the edamame until they’re still bright green, but they soften a bit, about 4-5 minutes. Drain the edamame and rinse it immediately with cool water until they’re cool enough to handle.
How do you know when soybeans are ready to harvest?
Soybeans are ready to harvest when 95% of the pods have reached their mature color, typically tan or brown, and the leaves have mostly fallen off.