Final answer:
Edamame are young, green soybeans harvested before full maturity and are particularly known as a versatile crop used in various forms including fresh edamame, soy milk, and tofu.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edamame are made from green soybeans, or Glycine max, which are picked when fully grown but before reaching complete maturity. In the family Fabaceae, which is known for providing various edible crops, some beans such as soybeans can be harvested both dry and green. Edamame is specifically the term used to refer to young soybeans that have been harvested green and are still in their pods, typically less than 10 cm long and contain 2-3 seeds each. Soybeans are a very versatile crop and, apart from being consumed fresh as edamame, their seeds can also be processed to yield soy oil or to make soy milk, which in turn can be used to produce tofu. The United States is the leading producer of soybeans, followed by Brazil and Argentina.