SOYA BEANS

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SOYA BEANS 5034.7

�0.95

Soybeans are the single most economically important bean in the world. They have the highest protein content and are an important oil seed. Because of their relatively high oil content for a bean, this small, round, usually tan colored bean must be protected from oxygen if it is to be stored for a longer period than one year. As soybeans, by themselves have a flavor that not everyone can appreciate, they are rarely eaten by themselves but are made into other foods such as TVP, soy milk, tofu, tempeh, minse, soysauce, natto, sprouts and other foods.
The soybean was first recorded as a domesticated plant around the 11th century, BC in Northeast China. By the first century, AD, the plant could be found in most parts of China and bordering countries as well. Through the next 14 centuries, the soybean slowly spread throughout the rest of Asia and has for centuries been the mainstay of East Asian nutrition. The soybean didn't reach Europe until 1737. In 1765 soybeans were first introduced into America by a seaman, Samuel Bowen, and in 1770 Benjamin Franklin, on a trip to London, sent soybean seeds to America. It seems probable, however that all of these introductions were temporary in nature.
The soybean was first commercially grown in Illinois. In 1851, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Edwards obtained soybean seeds from the Japanese and brought them to Alton, Illinois, where they were planted in John Lea's garden. From this reintroduction of the Soybean, along with some early stock from the Perry Expedition, came the stock that was to fuel the massive commercial venture here in the United States.
Soybeans not only contain the highest level of protein of any other bean, the amino acid balance in them is close enough to human needs that they can be considered a complete protein in and of themselves. They are an excellent source of iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and the B vitamins. Soybeans are the best source of lecithin which reduces cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. It is also a great source of the essential oil, linolenic acid and a good source of vitamin E.