Edamame (pronounced ed-uh-mah-mey) are young soybeans in the pod. They are lightly steamed or boiled in salt water before serving. Edamame are served either in the pod as a snack to be popped in the mouth directly from the pod, or shelled and added to recipes.  In Japan, salted edamame are often served on salad bars or as finger food at bars the way American bars might serve pretzels. In Thai Pasta Salad, they are are steamed, rinsed, and drained before adding to the pasta salad.