Glycine max 'Chiba Green'

The 'Chiba Green' Edamame Soybean is an early variety, suitable for cultivation in Europe, including cooler regions. Highly productive, this annual plant has a bushy, upright and compact habit, and is rich in protein like beans, peas and broad beans. It is not demanding and thrives in sandy, fairly rich and well-drained soil. Due to the nutritional richness of its seeds and its ease of cultivation, soybeans deserve a larger place in our vegetable gardens. Sow from April to June for a harvest in August-September. Seeds from Organic Agriculture.

Glycine max, commonly known as yellow soybean, is an annual plant belonging to the Fabaceae family (legumes), like beans and many other vegetables in the vegetable garden. It is native to East Asia. For many varieties, the vegetation is climbing with erect stems reaching up to 1.50m (5ft) and leaves similar to bean leaves with 3 elliptical leaflets measuring 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, villous underneath. After a very discreet flowering, hairy pods measuring 4 to 8cm (2 to 3in) resembling large beans develop, containing up to 3 to 4 yellow elliptical seeds measuring 5 to 10mm in diameter.

The 'Chiba Green' Edamame variety grows in the form of an upright clump, composed of several stems measuring approximately 60 to 80cm (24 to 32in) in height, bearing numerous pods containing 3 seeds on average. The seeds can be consumed fresh or dried. Due to their high protein content, they are a good food choice for a vegetarian diet.

Soybean cultivation is similar to bean cultivation: Sowing takes place from April to June when the soil is sufficiently warm and there is no longer a risk of frost. It requires a minimum of warmth and sunlight to develop. Harvesting takes place 75 to 90 days later in August-September, when the pods are still green and fresh for consumption in the following days, or a little later when they are dry for longer storage. Very low in calories and rich in protein, the pods and seeds also provide vitamins A, B1, B9, iron and fibre.

In the kitchen, 'Chiba Green' Edamame Soybeans are consumed like regular beans. The immature pods or young green seeds are enjoyed after a very quick boiling (5-10 minutes) or steaming. They can be served chilled with fleur de sel for an appetizer, with sushi, or hot in tomato sauce. Harvesting the dry seeds at the end of the season allows for the production of soy milk, tempeh, hummus and even tofu.

Organic or "AB" seeds come from plants cultivated without phytosanitary products (insecticides, herbicides). These seeds also do not undergo any post-harvest treatment. They bear the AB label and are certified by Ecocert, an independent organization.