Traditional roasted edamame snacks are made from soybeans.
Edamame refers to immature green soybeans, usually harvested before the beans harden. They are commonly boiled or steamed in their pods, but shelled beans can also be roasted and seasoned as a crunchy snack. Popular seasonings include salt, chili, garlic, and soy-based spices.
Soybeans are legumes native to East Asia and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are notable for their protein content and are used in foods such as tofu, soy milk, miso, and tempeh. Roasted edamame differs from roasted green peas because edamame is the immature form of the soybean plant.