Difference Between Edamame and Soybean

March 2022 ยท 5 minute read

Soybeans belong to the legume family and are a very popular food crop, whereas edamame is immature soybeans and are now gaining importance in Western countries. The soybeans and edamame belong to the same family, but they differ in terms of nutrient content and various other parameters that have been shown in the article.

 Edamame vs Soybean

The main difference between edamame and soybeans is that edamame beans are harvested when at the young and early-stage and are eaten shelled, whereas soybeans are cooked and fermented and are then consumed.

Edamame beans that are referred to as vegetable soybeans are a type of soybean preparation. This immature is a very popular dish of Japan. At the same time, it is an important cuisine of different countries such as China, Hawaii, etc. It is an excellent source of plant-based protein and helps to maintain the healthy weight of a person. Various studies have shown that edamame is also linked to bone health.

Soybeans are legumes that constitute an important component of the Asian Diet. It is considered as World`s most popular food crop. Soybeans can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as tofu, milk, and many other products. It is known to have an excellent nutritional value with several health benefits. The health benefits of soybeans include the improvement in weight management, blood sugar levels, etc.

 Comparison Table Between Edamame and Soybean

Parameters of ComparisonEdamameSoybean
ConsumptionEdamame is consumed as a fresh steamed vegetableSoybeans are cooked or are fermented
Color and tasteGreen and sweet can be eaten raw as vegetablesYellow, black or brown, has a crunchy and nutty taste.it must be cooked or processed
Nutritional valueThe carbohydrate content in edamame beans are 3% D per 100 gram, and the fat content is about 9g per 100 gThe carbohydrate content in soybean is 10% DV per 100 grams, whereas the fat content is 19.9 g per 100 g
UsesThe edamame beans are mainly used by humansSoybeans have several industrial benefits, which include soy milk, tofu, etc.
CostThe edamame beans are quite expensive because they grow on a small scaleThe soybeans are cheaper as compared to edamame because of their large-scale production

What is Edamame?

Edamame is an immature soybean that is gaining widespread importance in various Western countries. There are few other types of edamame as well that are named as follows: tempeh, miso, and tamari. The edamame was primarily consumed as a snack and appetizer, but now it has been added to the main dishes as well. Like other legumes, edamame has several health benefits, and it contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients. The edamame can be stored both fresh as well as frozen.

It is the best source of both plant-based protein and dietary fibre that help to maintain the healthy weight of a person. Isoflavones, an anti-inflammatory compound, are found in edamame and are known to boost collagen in the skin and decrease wrinkles and fine lines. It is an optimal choice for vegans because it is a rich source of protein and iron, and these two key nutrients are found in meat. Several other health benefits include the maintenance and support of bone health, improved glucose tolerance, etc.

What is Soybean?

Soybeans belong to the legume family and are one of the most widely grown beans with well-known nutritional properties. It is also referred to as vegetable meat because the amino acid content is almost equal to meat, milk, or egg proteins. The soybeans can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as soybean oil, tofu, soy sauce, soy flour, and soy milk. The soybeans are eaten as a whole in Asia.

Soybeans contain phytochemical compounds such as phytonutrients and antioxidants that show various health benefits. The health benefits of soybeans are cancer which is one of the leading causes of death in our society. But the consumption of soy can help as products made of soy have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Consumption of soy has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women who have undergone menopause.

Soybeans have an exceptional nutritional value. It is the only plant food with a wide range of protein, carbohydrates, and fat content. Not only is it beneficial to humans but also animals. Soybeans are used as cattle feed and also lower the cost of the poultry and meat industry.

 Main Differences Between Edamame and Soybean

  • Edamame is prepared by harvesting immature soybeans followed by boiling and steaming, whereas soybeans are harvested when leaves start falling, and pods look dry.
  • Edamame is consumed as a raw vegetable and shelled. This can be eaten as fresh or frozen. It is used as a side food and is also eaten as snacks in most countries, whereas soybeans is a food crop that can be consumed daily.
  • The shelf life of edamame is low, while soybeans have a high shelf life.
  • The edamame can be stored as a fresh vegetable or can be stored frozen at low temperatures, whereas soybeans are stored in large bins or bunny bags.
  • Edamame is expensive because it grows at a small scale and requires various equipment, labour, and transportation costs. On the other hand, soybeans are grown on a large scale and can be bought at a low cost.
  •  Conclusion

    Soybeans are plant crops, and edamame beans are green vegetable soybeans. Soybean has widespread usage in the food industry, whereas edamame beans are mostly used for human consumption. Soybean can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as tofu, soy milk, etc., whereas edamame beans are mainly consumed as snacks and side dishes.

    Edamame is the best source of both plant-based protein and dietary fibre. The soybeans can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as soybean oil, tofu, soy sauce, soy flour, and soy milk. Consumption of soy has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women.

    Nutritional value is similar in both products. Moisture content is more in edamame than in soybeans. Both edamame and soybeans have several health benefits, which include maintaining a healthy weight, prevention from various diseases, etc. 

    References

  • https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1745-4565.2008.00121.x
  • https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf035053p
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