Tag: Edamame vs soybeans

According to the USDA, both edamame and mature soybeans are nutrient-dense sources of complete protein, making them staples in many diets. However, key differences in their maturity, preparation, and nutritional content make deciding which is better, edamame or soybeans, depend entirely on your dietary goals.

Over 90% of soybeans grown in the United States are harvested for mature, dry beans used in products like oil and tofu. However, many people wonder: are edamame and soy beans in a pod the same thing? The simple answer is yes, they are the same species, but they are harvested at different stages of maturity for different purposes, which drastically changes their taste, texture, and nutritional profile.

One cup of cooked edamame contains around 18.5 grams of protein, a high-quality plant-based source that includes all essential amino acids. This impressive nutritional profile raises a common question: what exactly is this protein-packed legume, and is edamame soy?