Eda means branch in Japanese, mame are beans. So edamame literally means 'beans on a branch'. These green beans have a light nutty flavor and are actually unripe soybeans that are harvested before the pod hardens. Delicious as a side dish with, for example, sushi, but also very suitable to be used (without pod) in salads or poké bowls. For example, blanch these green soybeans in a light broth and mix in a little gomaae. Serve them as an appetizer.