Edamame: A rich source of protein for human nutrition

Abstract

Edamame or vegetable soybean is a highly nutritious food of plant origin. It can be cultivated without much difficulty as sole, inter- or mixed crop. It also enriches the soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. It is an effective alternate source of nutritive vegetable that can be harvested within 2 months and can be served round the year as frozen seeds. It can be a rich supplement of protein to the vegetarian people. Inclusion of edamame or vegetable soybean in the mid-day meal and other community meals can help fight protein-energy malnutrition prevalent in the country. Scientific intervention can eliminate nonnutritious elements from the edamame genotypes and can make it truly a wonderful vegetable and nutritive supplement for all.