Soy Beans (Fresh)

APPEARANCE: These are small bean pods, 2 to 3 inches long, less than an inch wide, pale green, hairy, and with distinct indentations between where the beans inside lie.

QUALITY: Select pods with firm, sound beans inside. Smaller beans are sweeter and more tender, but take longer to shell. Don’t worry too much about the state of the pod, which can turn yellow and develop black spots without damaging the beans inside — which is what you’re after.

COMMENTS: Known and served primarily in the temperate regions of Asia where they grow, fresh soy beans are a sweet, tender, and nutritious treat.