Mukimame and Edamame are both varieties of soybeans and are popular in various cuisines, particularly in Asian dishes. A comparison between Mukimame vs Edamame is always a topic of debate among vegans, with the question of which one is the best protein source.
They come from the same origin, the soybean; they differ in preparation, appearance, taste, and culinary uses. Let’s compare Mukimame vs Edamame in terms of their taste, origin, nutritional value, health benefits, appearance, and more.
What Are Mukimame and Edamame?
What is Edamame?
Edamame is a form of green soybean that comes before the soybean fully matures. The term Edamame comes from the Japanese language, which means “beans on branches”.
Typically, edamame is served in its pod, lightly steamed or boiled, and sprinkled with salt, making it a popular snack or appetizer in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisines.
What is Mukimame?
When it comes to Mukimame, it is a simple form of shell Edamame. The term “mukimame” comes from the Japanese word muki, which means “peeled” or “shelled”, and refers to the green soybeans removed from their pods.
Mukimame is essentially the same soybean as edamame, but it is ready to eat or cook without the need to shell the pods.
Where Are Mukimame and Edamame Found?
Both mukimame and edamame originate from East Asia, with historical roots in China, as they have been used for thousands of years.
Today, they are popular globally, with major producers including the United States, Japan, China, and Brazil.
Where is Edamame Found?
Commonly found in Asian restaurants, grocery stores, and markets, edamame is typically sold fresh or frozen in its pods.
In Japan, it’s a staple snack in izakayas (Japanese pubs), while in the U.S., it’s popular in health food stores and as a frozen product.
Where is Mukimame Found?
Mukimame is especially found in Western countries in frozen pre-packed forms in food markets or supermarkets.
Mukimame is popular in Western countries because it gives good nutritional values like Edamame without the shelling process.
Mukimame vs Edamame: What Do They Look Like?
What Does Edamame Look Like?
Edamame beans are encased in green, fuzzy pods, typically containing 2–3 beans per pod. The pods are inedible, and the beans inside are bright green, smooth, and slightly glossy.
The pods are often served whole, requiring diners to pop the beans out with their fingers or teeth. It is best to make a recipe like Edamame Pasta.
What Does Mukimame Look Like?
Mukimame is the form of individual green soybeans without the pods. The beans are small, oval, and vibrant green, resembling lima beans or green peas in appearance. Their shelled nature makes them more versatile for cooking.
Mukimame vs Edamame: Taste and Texture
Edamame
Edamame has a mild, slightly nutty, and buttery flavor with a tender yet firm texture. When steamed or boiled in water and lightly salted, the beans offer a fresh, earthy taste that you can pair well with simple seasonings. The act of shelling the pods can enhance the eating experience, making it a fun and interactive snack.
For detailed information about the health benefits and nutritional facts, check out our full guide on bean curd nutritional value.
Mukimame
Mukimame shares the same flavor profile as edamame—nutty, mildly sweet, and fresh—but you can modify its texture depending by preparating it in different ways.
Without the pod, Mukimame may feel slightly softer when cooked, especially in dishes like stir-fries or soups.
The absence of the pod allows for more seasoning absorption, making mukimame versatile for bolder flavor profiles.
Mukimame vs Edamame: Nutritional Values
The nutritional values shown in the tables are per 100 grams.
Edamame Nutritional Values
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 121 kcal | 6% |
| Protein | 11.9 g | 24% |
| Total Fat | 5.2 g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 4% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | – |
| Carbohydrates | 10.1 g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% |
| Sugars | 2.2 g | – |
| Vitamin K | 26.7 µg | 22% |
| Folate | 311 µg | 78% |
| Manganese | 1.0 mg | 43% |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% |
| Magnesium | 64 mg | 15% |
| Phosphorus | 169 mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 436 mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 63 mg | 5% |
| Zinc | 1.4 mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 6 mg | 0% |
Mukimame Nutritional Values
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 121 kcal | 6% |
| Protein | 11.9 g | 24% |
| Total Fat | 5.2 g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 4% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | – |
| Carbohydrates | 10.1 g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% |
| Sugars | 2.2 g | – |
| Vitamin K | 26.7 µg | 22% |
| Folate | 311 µg | 78% |
| Manganese | 1.0 mg | 43% |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% |
| Magnesium | 64 mg | 15% |
| Phosphorus | 169 mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 436 mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 63 mg | 5% |
| Zinc | 1.4 mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 6 mg | 0% |
Health Benefits Mukimame vs Edamame
Both Edamame and Mukimame come from green soybeans, so the health benefits are the same. Here are the 10 health benefits of Mukimame and Edamame.
- Supports Heart Health
- Promotes Bone Health
- Aids Digestive Health
- Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels
- Boosts Protein Intake
- Reduces Inflammation
- Supports Weight Management
- Enhances Immune Function
- Improves Skin Health
- May Reduce Menopausal Symptoms
Conclusion: Mukimame vs Edamame
As both Edamame and Mukamame come from the same origin, green soybean, they both have the same nutritional and health benefits.
Edamame brings a fun, interactive element to dining, while mukimame offers convenience and versatility.
Whether you’re snacking on salted edamame pods or tossing mukimame into a stir-fry, both are delicious, healthy additions to your diet.
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Ashish Lavania is a chef and works for many 5 and 7-star hotels all over the world, like in Dubai, India, Spain, etc. He completed his education in IHM Delhi. He has 10 to 12 years of experience in the cooking industry. He cooks food with good nutritional value. He loves to spread his knowledge to the world via this website.