In Japan, the term edamame means stem peas. Edamame are boiled soy beans and are popular side dishes in the cuisines of China, Japan, and Hawaii. The soybean has been used for over two thousand years as a major source of protein. Our one-pound package contains soy beans in pods. They are raw and need to be boiled and are best served lightly salted. It is eaten by squeezing the pod from one end and the beans come out the other. The beans are so delicious, it is often eaten as a snack by itself.