Mukimame vs. Edamame: What’s The Difference? When it comes to plant-based protein sources, soybeans are among the most popular and versatile options available. Soy beans take different forms, but two common forms of young soybeans are mukimame and edamame.
While many people use these terms interchangeably, there are important differences between the two. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide which option best fits your dietary needs and preferences.
What Are Edamame and Mukimame?
Edamame and mukimame both come from the same source: young, green soybeans. However, they differ in how they are prepared and served.
Edamame refers to whole, immature soybeans still encased in their pods. They are typically boiled or steamed and served with a sprinkle of salt, making for a tasty and nutritious snack or appetizer. It is usually harvested with the stem attached and it’s done before the bean has had a chance to harden
Mukimame is simply shelled edamame. The beans are removed from the pods before being cooked and can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, stir-fries, and grain bowls. What differs is when they are harvested, as they’re allowed to mature before they’re harvested. Then the beans are removed from their pods. That’s why they are called “shelled edamame” or mukimame. It’s not simply edamame with the skin off.
Edamame Vs Mukimame: Shape
Edamame and Mukimame differ in shape because edamame still has its pods, which are long, green, and often curved. You eat the beans by squeezing them out of the pod, which gives it a unique shape.
Mukimame, however, has been shelled, meaning only the beans remain. These beans are rounder and smaller in appearance, making them easier to mix into dishes like salads, stews, or stir-fries.
Edamame Vs Mukimame: Texture
The texture of edamame is a bit firmer and slightly chewy due to the pod. The beans themselves have a satisfying bite, which makes them fun to eat. The pods give a bit of resistance, making each bite feel more like an experience.
On the other hand, mukimame is smoother and softer. Since it’s already shelled, the beans are tender and easier to chew. This makes mukimame a great option for dishes where you want the beans to blend seamlessly into the meal without the need to work with pods.
Edamame Vs Mukimame: Taste
While both edamame and mukimame come from the same plant, their taste can differ slightly due to their preparation.
Edamame has a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor due to being harvested while still young and immature. This sweetness comes through when you bite into the beans, especially when they’re boiled and salted. The texture of the pods also adds a bit of a fresh, green flavor to the experience.
Mukimame, since it’s shelled and typically allowed to mature more, has a more pronounced, richer flavor. The taste can be slightly nuttier and earthier, and the beans are more intense in flavor without the distraction of the pod. If you’re adding mukimame to a dish, it will absorb the surrounding flavors more readily, making it a great addition to soups, stews, and salads.
Health Benefits of Edamame And Mukimame
Both edamame and mukimame are pretty much packed with health benefits. Here’s why they’re so good for you:
Great Protein Source
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, both edamame and mukimame are amazing sources of plant-based protein. They contain all the essential amino acids your body needs, making them a complete protein (just like meat).
High in Fiber
We all know fiber is great for digestion, and these beans deliver. The fiber helps keep things moving in your gut and can even help lower your cholesterol, which is great for heart health.
Good for Heart Health
Speaking of heart health, the healthy fats in both edamame and mukimame, along with the soy protein, can help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and support overall heart health.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
You get a good dose of iron (important for oxygen in your blood), calcium (for bones), magnesium (muscle function), and folate (essential for cell growth and repair). So, they’re like a mini multivitamin in every bite.
How to Enjoy Mukimame and Edamame
Edamame
- Simple Snack: Boil or steam the whole pods for about 3-5 minutes, sprinkle with salt, and snack away.
- Seasoned Up: Add some chili flakes, garlic, or sesame oil to your cooked edamame for a fun flavor twist.
- Soup Topping: Toss some whole edamame pods into miso soup or ramen for an extra protein boost.
Mukimame
- Salads: Mukimame is perfect for adding to salads, whether it’s a leafy green salad, a pasta salad, or a grain bowl.
- Stir-Fries: Throw some mukimame into your veggie stir-fry for a quick, protein-packed meal.
- Hummus Alternative: Try blending mukimame with garlic, lemon, and tahini for a unique twist on classic hummus.
- Soups and Stews: Toss them into soups, curries, or stews for a bit of protein and extra texture.
- Bowls: Add them to rice, quinoa, or other grain bowls for a nutritious boost.
Where To Buy Mukimame And Edamame?
You can find Mukimame and Edamame at various locations, both online and in physical stores. Here’s where to look:
1. Supermarkets
- Large chain supermarkets often carry frozen edamame, and some may also have mukimame (shelled edamame).
- Asian supermarkets are the best places to find both edamame and mukimame, especially if you want fresh or frozen options. They often have a variety of brands and types.
2. Health Food Stores
- Many health food stores or organic markets (like Whole Foods or local co-ops) stock edamame and sometimes mukimame in their frozen sections. These are typically organic and non-GMO options.
3. Online Stores
- Websites like Amazon, Thrive Market, and iHerb offer a wide selection of frozen edamame and mukimame, with the convenience of home delivery.
- Asian grocery websites may also sell frozen edamame and mukimame, often with bulk purchasing options.
4. Specialty Stores
- If you live in a city with a strong food culture, check out specialty grocery stores or stores that focus on international ingredients. Many carry frozen or even fresh edamame and mukimame.
For Mukimame, it might be a bit trickier to find in some areas, as it’s not as commonly stocked as edamame. If you can’t find it, you can easily shell your own edamame at home—it’s relatively simple, especially with frozen edamame!
FAQ: Mukimame vs Edamame
1. What is the difference between edamame and mukimame?
Edamame refers to young soybeans still in their pods, often boiled or steamed and eaten as a snack. Mukimame, on the other hand, is the same soybean but shelled. It’s edamame without the pod but harvested at a later point.
2. Are edamame and mukimame the same thing?
Yes and no. While they come from the same source—young soybeans—they are harvested at a different time so they have slight differences.
3. Which one is healthier, edamame or mukimame?
Both edamame and mukimame offer the same nutritional benefits, as they come from the same plant. They are both are excellent sources of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
4. How do you eat edamame and mukimame?
Edamame is typically enjoyed by popping the beans out of their pods after boiling or steaming. Mukimame, being shelled, is easier to incorporate directly into recipes like salads, stir-fries, or bowls without needing to remove the beans from their pods.
5. Can you buy mukimame and edamame at the same store?
Yes, both are often available in the frozen food section of supermarkets, particularly those with an Asian foods aisle. Mukimame may be harder to find than edamame, but larger supermarkets or Asian grocery stores usually carry both.
6. Is mukimame the same as soybeans?
While mukimame is made from soybeans, it refers specifically to the shelled form of edamame, which are immature soybeans. So, yes, it’s a type of soybean, but it’s harvested earlier than fully mature soybeans that are used for other products like tofu or tempeh.
