Edamame is a common vegetable. After eating edamame for so many years, how much do you know about its nutritional value? What are the different ways to eat edamame? How can fresh edamame be preserved? Let me introduce it to you.
Edamame is rich in nutrients and can help women prevent menopause.
First, the fat content in edamame is higher than in other vegetables, but it is mostly composed of unsaturated fatty acids, such as the essential linoleic acid and linolenic acid. These can improve fat metabolism and reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels in the body. Edamame is also a great source of dietary fiber, which is very effective for improving constipation, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol.
Second, the iron in edamame is easily absorbed, making it one of the foods that can supplement iron for children. The lecithin in edamame is an essential nutrient for brain development, which can improve memory and intelligence levels, making it especially suitable for children.
Furthermore, edamame contains small amounts of functional flavonoids, especially isoflavones, which are known as natural phytoestrogens. They have estrogen-like effects in the human body and can alleviate the discomfort of menopause and prevent osteoporosis in women.
Finally, edamame is very high in potassium. Eating it in the summer can replenish the potassium lost through excessive sweating, thereby relieving fatigue and loss of appetite caused by potassium deficiency.
A clever trick for storing fresh edamame—the blanching and freezing method
Experienced housewives, after buying fresh edamame, can process it for long-term storage to use for cooking later. The most recommended method is the blanching and freezing method.
First, shell the fresh edamame. Then, boil a pot of salted water. Once the water is boiling, add the edamame and blanch for about 30 seconds. Immediately remove and place in prepared cold water. If the cold water is not enough to cool it quickly, you can keep changing the water or adding more cold water to cool the edamame down as quickly as possible.
Once the edamame is completely cooled, remove and drain well. Let the surface moisture air-dry, then pack into resealable bags, with each portion containing enough for one meal. Seal the bags tightly and place them in the freezer for storage. They can be kept frozen, and you can just thaw them out when you want to eat.
Turn edamame into a big meal—get these home recipes
Five-Spice Edamame
Cold-dressed Edamame
Main ingredients: Edamame, Sichuan peppercorns, Garlic.
Instructions:
1. First, trim the ends of the edamame pods and soak in salt water for a few minutes, then wash clean. At the same time, mince the garlic.
2. Bring water to a boil, add a few drops of oil, then add the edamame and cook for five minutes, adding 1-2 more spoonfuls of salt than usual.
3. After cooking, remove the edamame and rinse under cold water. Mix with light soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and oyster sauce.
4. Heat oil in a pan. When the oil is hot, add chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and minced garlic and stir-fry until red oil is released.
5. Pour the red oil over the edamame and mix well.
Colorful Chicken Stir-fry with Edamame
Main ingredients: Edamame, chicken breast, egg, shiitake mushrooms, red bell pepper, pickled vegetable (snow vegetable), carrot.
Instructions:
1. Shell and wash the fresh edamame. Dice the carrot, red bell pepper, and chicken breast. Chop the scallions and have the pickled vegetable ready.
2. Mix the chicken breast with egg white, cornstarch, and pepper. Marinate for about 10 minutes.
3. Bring water to a boil in a pot, add the edamame, and cook until just tender. Remove the cooked edamame and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
4. Heat oil in a wok. Add the marinated chicken breast and stir-fry until the color changes. Add the scallions and carrot and stir-fry for a moment. Add the cooked edamame, along with the pickled vegetable, shiitake mushrooms, and diced red bell pepper, and stir-fry for a moment. Turn off the heat and serve.
The biggest feature of this dish is the complementary plant and animal protein, which can lower cholesterol. It is especially suitable for the elderly.
Edamame with Dried Tofu and Carrot
Main ingredients: 150g edamame, 100g dried tofu, 1 carrot, sesame oil, salt, chicken powder to taste.
Instructions:
1. Dice the dried tofu and carrot. Wash the edamame.
2. Heat a small amount of water with salt in a pot. Add the edamame, dried tofu, and carrot and simmer for 3 minutes.
3. When the edamame is cooked, remove the ingredients and drain the excess water. Season with salt, chicken powder, and sesame oil and mix well.
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