While waiting for your meal at Flo’s Japanese Restaurant in Bellevue, why not order up some edamame to snack on? These boiled soybeans are a common appetizer in many Japanese establishments, popular not only for their taste but for their nutritional value as well.
What makes edamame special is that it is a “complete protein”. This means that it features all nine of the essential amino acids. Edamame is the only vegetable that can boast this property, which explains why soy based products are a popular vegetarian alternative to meats. A half cup of edamame gives you over eleven grams of protein, not to mention a healthy dose of calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin C, and some B vitamins.
Edamame is boiled while it is still in its shell, and frequently mixed with salt for flavor. Diners pop the bean out of its shell with their teeth and discard the inedible husk in the provided bowl. Try it out for yourself at Flo Japanese Restaurant and Sake Bar.