Put a big pot of salted water on the stove on high heat.

If your soybeans are still on the stem, sit down while the water is coming to a boil, and strip the pods off the stems. (The beans grow from the woody branches of the tall soybean bush, and its name in Japanese combines the characters for twig and bean: 枝豆.) When the water is boiling, throw the soybeans in, pods and all. Boil for about 5-7 minutes.

Drain and place in a bowl. Add another tablespoon of salt and toss the still steaming beans.

Let the beans cool to room temperature. Pick up a pod, hold it close to your lips, and gently squeeze the beans into your mouth. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s incredibly good for you.