Written by Katelyn Winberg, an undergraduate student in Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Sciences at SDSU. Kristine Lang, an assistant professor, and Rhoda Burrows, a professor, helped with the direction and review. Special thanks to Beth Nagel and Jordan Rollefson for peer review of this article.
Edamame is the Japanese name for edible, immature soybeans, which are cooked prior to eating. East Asians have used the plant for thousands of years in many ways, from making tasty side dishes to making medicines. Edamame has been characterized as a snack with a nutritional punch. It is a warm-season annual plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Depending on the cultivar, edamame production is often the same as traditional soybeans until harvest. Edamame is grown in the Midwest by planting it outside in late spring. It takes 10 to 12 weeks to grow. They also may be transplanted from greenhouses, grown in high tunnels, and can even be produced hydroponically.
There are various different varieties of edamame, but some of the most popular include the following.
This is an heirloom variety that came to the United States in the 1920s. Seeds are small and olive-green with brown saddles.
This early-ripening variety is very productive with big beans that have good flavor. The chiba green is also a bush bean.
Also known as “Black Pearl,” this heirloom variety’s seed coat is black when fully cooked. It is said to have a silky texture and sweet flavor.
This variety was developed in Manitoba, Canada and is well-suited for northern climates. It has brown beans when dry, but its taste is consistent with other varieties.
This variety has performed well in North Dakota. It ripens early, has bigger pods and has more-flavorful seeds than other varieties that also ripen early.
Edamame may need to be watered during times when they need more water, like when they are flowering or when their pods are full. Do a soil test in the early fall of the year before you plant to find out how much fertilizer you will need. Most herbicides that are good for soybeans don’t work on edamame, so growers usually use machines or their own hands to get rid of weeds. Most soybean pesticides are also not suitable for edamame. There are many things that can hurt the plant, like disease and bugs, but because it is picked while it is still green, it doesn’t have to deal with many of those problems later in the season. Pests that attack edamame include: soybean aphids, stink bugs, and leafhoppers. The best way to deal with these pests is to select more pest-resistant varieties, such as Chiba Green. The most common diseases for edamame are: powdery mildew, frogeye leaf spot, rust, and bacterial blight. These diseases can be managed by using fungicides, choosing resistant varieties, and practicing crop rotation.
As a tasty source of protein, fiber, and nutrients, homegrown edamame is a treat for any gardener. But knowing exactly when to pick those plump, green pods is key to getting edamame at its peak ripeness.
Harvesting too early means you’ll miss out on rich, developed flavor. Waiting too long risks tough, overly mature beans. Follow these tips to identify perfect edamame and get the timing just right.
What is Edamame?
Edamame are green soybeans harvested when the beans inside the pod are still immature. This stage offers a sweet, nutty flavor and tender texture.
Edamame is typically steamed or boiled in the pod and squeezed directly into the mouth. The beans can also be shelled and added to stir fries, salads, and more.
Popular in East Asian cuisine, edamame is packed with nutrients including:
- Protein – 17g per cup
- Fiber – 16% RDA per cup
- Vitamin C – 12% RDA per cup
- Iron – 15% RDA per cup
In the garden edamame grows similarly to bush beans on upright leafy plants 18-24 inches tall. Once established, the plants produce clusters of fuzzy green pods.
When to Harvest Edamame
Timing is everything when picking edamame. For peak flavor and texture, pods must be harvested during a fairly small window of time.
Look for these signs edamame is ready to pick
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Pod length reaches 2-3 inches Pods shorter than 2 inches are underdeveloped Once pods exceed 3 inches, beans begin to mature.
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Pods are bright green and firm. Yellowing pods are overripe. Pods that are soft or wilted won’t store well.
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Seeds feel plump when gently squeezed. Flat, undeveloped seeds lack flavor.
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Plants have several clusters of mature pods. Early clusters ripen first, followed by new blooms.
Edamame is typically ready to harvest 70-100 days from seeding. But depending on variety and growing conditions, maturity can range from 60 days up to 120 days.
Fast-maturing varieties like Chiba Green and Early Hakucho are on the shorter end of the spectrum. Slower-growing types like Butterbeans may take up to 120 days.
To pinpoint prime harvest timing, begin testing pods around 70 days after planting:
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Gently squeeze pods to check seed fill.
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Sample an early pod – taste and texture will indicate readiness.
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Mark your calendar for future harvests.
With experience, you’ll learn the ideal window for your climate and chosen varieties.
How to Harvest Edamame
For the best flavor and storage quality, harvest edamame in the early morning while pods are cool and crisp.
Use these steps for harvesting:
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Snap pods off the plant by hand. Avoid tugging pods to prevent uprooting plants.
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Use scissors for quick, easy harvesting. Cut each cluster of pods where they attach to the stem.
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Select filled, bright green pods. Leave smaller, less mature pods to size up.
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Handle pods gently to avoid bruising. Bruises lead to spoilage when stored.
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Leave pods attached in clusters for storage if possible. Detach just before eating or freezing.
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Chill pods quickly after picking by placing in refrigerator or ice water bath.
Proper harvesting technique preserves edamame’s flavor and extends shelf life. With practice, you’ll get quick and efficient at plucking pods at their perfect point of ripeness.
Storing Fresh Edamame
For enjoying fresh edamame, proper storage after harvesting is essential. Chilled edamame will last 7-10 days with ideal conditions.
Follow these storage steps:
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Rinse pods and drain well. Pat dry with a towel. Don’t wash until ready to use.
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Seal pods in plastic bags, removing excess air. Clustering pods helps retain moisture.
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Refrigerate pods immediately, ideally at 32-35°F. High humidity also prevents drying.
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Use within 7-10 days for best quality. Check for wilting, yellowing, or mold. Discard any spoiled pods.
With attentive harvesting technique and post-harvest chilling, you can enjoy garden-fresh edamame for up to two weeks.
Freezing Edamame for Long-Term Storage
For enjoying edamame year round, frozen storage can preserve pods up to a year.
Follow these steps for properly freezing edamame:
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Harvest and wash pods. Discard any damaged or overripe ones.
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Blanch pods for 1-2 minutes in boiling water.
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Immediately plunge pods into ice water to stop cooking. Drain well.
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Pack edamame pods into freezer bags or containers, removing excess air.
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Freeze at 0°F or below. Stems and pods may darken over time but beans will remain tasty.
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For shelled edamame, shell after blanching and freeze beans only.
With the right techniques, you can stockpile garden-fresh edamame to enjoy any time of year!
Best Uses for Edamame
Edamame offers versatility in the kitchen:
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Steam or boil pods and squeeze beans into mouth.
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Add shelled beans to rice, salads, stir fries, and vegetable dishes.
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Purée into dips and spreads or cream soups.
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Roast or pan-fry shelled beans with oil and spices.
With edamame’s combination of nutrition, protein, and addictive nutty sweetness, the possibilities are endless. Market-fresh flavor is minutes away with homegrown edamame.
Timing your harvests for optimal ripeness takes a little practice. But with the right techniques, you’ll be hooked on the amazing taste of garden-grown edamame beans.
How to Harvest Edamame
Mechanical harvest of edamame being done with a single-row green bean harvester. Courtesy: Washington State University
On small farms, edamame is usually picked by hand, and it can be picked like peas or green beans. Most hand-harvesting is done by gently pulling them off the plant or cutting them with garden shears and then putting them in bins or baskets. Some edamame farmers harvest by clipping the plant at the soil surface and selling the whole plant. This is the traditional way to sell edamame in East Asia, and it also reduces labor.
Mechanical harvesting of larger amounts can be done using a modified green bean picker. It is easier to use a machine to harvest some cultivars, like the Kuroshinju variety, because they grow more closely together. Continuous harvests can be facilitated by sowing seeds several times in succession, similar to green beans.
You can eat edamame with or without the beans still in the pods. This means the whole pod needs to be thoroughly cleaned before it hits the market. Edamame can be cleaned similarly to other plants like green beans or peas. You can do this by putting the edamame in a colander or strainer and running water over them. Afterwards, transfer to a towel and pat-dry or air-dry.
When to Harvest Edamame
Edamame that is ready to be harvested. Notice the beans are nearly touching. Courtesy: Carol A. Miles, Washington State University.
Edamame should be harvested when the pods are full-sized and bright green. This is usually around soybean growth stage R6, which is the final stage before maturation. Growers will know the crop is ready when the beans are nearly touching each other in the pod.
Ten to twelve weeks after planting, edamame is usually picked, and there are only a few days when it can be picked. Most of the pods will ripen at the same time. They should be picked before the leaves turn yellow. If picked after the leaves turn yellow, the beans will taste starchy instead of sweet and nutty.
Growers should harvest in the early morning when the edamame is cool in order to help maintain freshness.
When & How To Harvest Edamame (Soybeans) – 2 Ways!
FAQ
How do I know when edamame is ripe?
Does edamame keep producing?
What do soybeans look like when ready to harvest?
When do you pick edamame beans?
Pick these beans when the pods are full. Examine pods on different edamame plants starting at 75 days after planting. Look for a bright green color on the pods, like the one for snow pea pods. As soon as you notice them, start harvesting immediately.
When to harvest edamame (soybeans)?
When & How To Harvest Edamame (Soybeans) – 2 Ways! Determining the maturity of edamame is crucial for a successful harvest. Edamame pods should be harvested when they are fully developed, but still green and plump. The ideal time to harvest is when the pods are about 2-3 inches long and the beans inside are still green.
When should edamame pods be harvested?
Edamame pods should be harvested when they are fully developed, but still green and plump. The ideal time to harvest is when the pods are about 2-3 inches long and the beans inside are still green. As the pods mature, they will turn yellow and the beans will become hard and inedible.
How do you harvest edamame?
Edamame is usually harvested by hand on small farms and can be harvested similarly to peas or green beans. Gently pulling them off the plant or using garden shears and then placing into bins or baskets is how most hand-harvesting is done. Some edamame farmers harvest by clipping the plant at the soil surface and selling the whole plant.
When to plant edamame seeds?
Next, it’s time to plant the seeds. Edamame seeds should be planted in the spring or early summer, once the soil has warmed up. Simply place the seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil, and water them well. Within a few days, you should start to see sprouts emerging from the soil.
Are edamame beans easy to grow?
Buttery and delicious, edamame beans are an easy-to-grow crop for a home vegetable garden. Also known as soybeans, the compact plants of edamame produce a generous harvest of bright green pods filled with two to three nutritious beans.