Final answer:
Edamame are young soybeans from the Glycine max plant, served hot with salt. These green beans are a type of legume, typically in pods that contain 2-3 seeds and are less than 10 cm long.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edamame is young soybeans, specifically the Glycine max variety, harvested when the beans are still green and not yet harvested dry. These beans are typically enjoyed as a snack, served hot with a sprinkle of salt. Unlike Pisum sativa peas, edamame provides a unique taste and texture.
The pods of the soybean plant, which are technically a type of legume, usually carry 2-3 seeds and are less than 10 cm long. Other common beans, such as mung beans, Cicer arietinum (chickpea, garbanzo bean), Phaseolus vulgaris (pinto bean, black bean, kidney bean), and Lens culinaris (lentil), are typically harvested dry.