Legume of the month: Soybeans

Unlike many other common bean varieties, soybeans don't usually show up in canned or dried forms on super-market shelves. But other versions of this versatile legume can be found in many sections of well-stocked stores.

In the freezer section, for example, you can find packaged green soybeans, usually still in their pods (pictured above). Called edamame — a Japanese word meaning "stem beans" — they're commonly served as an appetizer in Asian restaurants. Squeeze the pods to pop out the bright green beans, which are good source of fiber and several vitamins, most notably B₉ (folate) and K. Soybeans are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids.