Edamame is translated as "beans on branches" in Japanese. Fresh beans are
harvested by cutting the entire plant at 2" above ground level, leaves are
stripped leaving "beans on branches". We formed one pound bunches using a
2x3" "broccoli tag" that were custom made for our farm. Our farmers market
price was $5.00/bunch, wholesale at $3.40/# selling at retail for $5.99#.
Sampling and demos are critical for this "new" crop to be successful. We
harvested 6000#'s/acre of saleable produce. Labor is high but it has been
worth it to us.
Here's the scoop on edamame seed. Johnny's sells Butterbean and Envy
varieties. They are short season, pods are small, flavor is good. The
Japanese varieties that I grow are harvested 5-7 days later, are 50% larger
pod size and a have deeper green color. My experience shows that the
Japanese varieties have a much higher customer appeal. You can buy them
imported from Japan for $15.00-$20.00/ pound. Planting rate is 80#/acre.
*****I'm working with a Japanese seed company that will be growing edamame
seed domestically during 1999 for 2000 sales at significantly lower prices
than imported seed. In the meantime, we are selling imported Japanese seed
for the 1999 season at $10.00/pound. Quantities are limited. My experiences
and advice is included.*****
Growers, seed wholesalers (mail order catalogs) and frozen vegetable
company inquiries are welcome. Home gardners please call Johnny's Selected
Seeds at (207)437-4301 as I am not set up for small seed packets.. For
additional information about edamame go to WSU's edamame website at
http://agsyst.wsu.edu/edam.htm
Email or call Ewell Culbertson, Pachamama Organic Farm, (303)776-1924.
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