Edamame beans are widely consumed and used in Asian countries for various dishes such as sushi. These beans are famous for their nutritional value and their unusual way of eating. You must have eaten edamame beans and wondered why you could not eat the edamame shells?
Read the article below to find out whether you can eat edamame shells or not!
Can you eat edamame shells?
Edamame is an immature soybean that is used in various dishes. You enjoy the beans present inside the edamame pod; however, you discard the shells.
You cannot consume the edamame shells because they have a tough texture and are hard to chew, making them indigestible. Moreover, they also lack any nutritional value.
It is better to discard them rather than put yourself through the torture of chewing something so hard with no nutritional value.
Are edamame pods poisonous?
No, edamame pods have not proved to be poisonous. However, they are not considered edible due to their tough texture and unappealing taste.
What happens if you eat edamame shells?
Edamame shells are not considered edible, nor should you try consuming them. However, if, by chance, you end up eating an edamame shell, you can come across various scenarios. I have mentioned three possible consequences that you might face if you eat an edamame shell.
Blocked digestive tract
This consequence might come up if you have eaten a large number of edamame shells at a time. The fundamental reason behind this is that edamame shells have a very tough texture, making them hard to chew. A few common symptoms of blocked digestive tract are constipation, severe stomach cramps, and other issues related to the digestive system.
In addition, human stomachs are not adapted to digest these shells as it lacks the enzymes required to break down the tough texture of edamame shells. People who have tried consuming edamame shells comment that it felt like chewing gum.
Choking hazard
As edamame shells are quite difficult to chew, they can result in choking. In some cases, when you do not chew them sufficiently, they can cause choking hazards. Hence, it is extremely crucial for you to completely remove the edamame shells carefully before you proceed to eat edamame beans.
Nothing special
If you have consumed a small amount of edamame beans, you will likely feel fine. In addition to that, if you have managed to chew them sufficiently, it is highly possible that you feel okay without any visible issues. However, it is recommended that you do not eat edamame shells because they hold no nutritional value at all.
Can dogs eat edamame shells?
Yes, dogs can eat edamame shells; however, it is not recommended. Edamame shells are quite tough on a dog’s digestive system. Hence, regularly feeding your dog edamame shells can lead to serious digestive issues. In addition to that, edamame shells pose a choking hazard for dogs.
Related FAQs
How do you get edamame out of pods?
To get the edamame out of its pod, you simply need to place the entire pod in your mouth. Then, as you pull the pod out of your mouth, you need to make use of your teeth to pop out the edamame beans from the pod. In the end, discard the edamame pods.
What happens if you eat raw edamame beans?
You should never try eating raw edamame beans as they are poisonous. However, if you end up consuming raw edamame by mistake, you will likely suffer from short-term digestive issues. Moreover, you might also suffer from long-term health issues.
Unlike eating raw cabbage or turkey bacon, eating raw edamame can result in some serious health issues.
How long should you cook edamame?
The average cooking time for edamame is anywhere near 3 to 5 minutes.
You simply need to boil a large pot of water and salt it before placing edamame in it. Then cook your edamame for 3-5 minutes until the color turns bright green.
What’s the difference between edamame and soybeans?
Edamame beans are immature soybeans, generally referred to as the vegetable form of soybeans. Edamame beans are green in color, while regular soybeans are typically light brown, beige, or tan.
Is it bad to eat edamame every day?
If you do not suffer from any specific edamame allergy, you can conveniently consume edamame beans daily in moderate quantities. Edamame is rich in fiber and can help boost your fiber intake. Along with fiber, it supplies various minerals, vitamins, and proteins. You should generally consume ½ cup of edamame daily, and it will work just fine for you.
Wrapping up my thoughts on eating edamame shells!
Why must one put themselves through the torture of chewing on something which lacks taste and any nutritional value? The same is the case with edamame shells. You can eat them, but you should not be doing so because they will not taste good and trouble your digestive tract.
Even if we put the taste aspect aside, these shells possess no nutritional value at all. Hence, we recommend not to try eating edamame shells!