WHAT IS SOY?
In the fifteenth century B.C., an Asian legume known as the soybean was cultivated from its wild state to become a boon to humankind. No one then understood the properties of the bean, but the Chinese farmers who grew it observed that this remarkable food helped keep their families healthy. The plants provided good forage for livestock and maintained the viability of the soil as well. Today, this miracle crop thrives on thousands of farms throughout America�s heartland. In fact, the United States grew 2.5 billion bushels of beans in 1995 alone, accounting for 50% of the world�s production

During the last hundred years, some of the complexities of the bean�s composition have been revealed. We now know that each soybean "pea" contains proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, fat, vitamins and minerals. These components make soybeans a nutritious food for humans. They also allow soybeans to be used for host of other products for agriculture and industry.

Source: United Soybean Board

1. Soybeans are a summer annual usually planted in May or early June. It takes about 75-80 days for the beans to fully mature. Mature plants may reach a height of 3 feet or more.
2. Soybean sprouts need plenty of rain alternating with periods of sun.
3. Small pink, purple or white flowers grow in the axils where the leaf joins the stem.
4. The "seeds" of the plant are the soybeans. These seed are borne in hairy pods that grow in clusters of three to five. Each pod contains two or three seeds, resembling peas.
5. Soybeans are easy to cultivate. The plant even "pays rent" by returning soil-building nitrogen to the fields.
6. Soybeans are ready to harvest in September or October. When the seeds are mature, the upright vine and foliage begin to shrivel and the leaves fall away. Harvest must be completed before the pods shatter and burst open. All harvesting is done by machine.
   

Source: United Soybean Board

SOYBEAN COMPOSITION
Like the protein found in animal products, the protein in soybeans is "complete," meaning all of the eight amino (protein) acids needed for human health are present. Soybeans are the only vegetable food that contains complete protein.

Soybeans are also an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Among legumes (beans, peas, and lentils) soybeans have a relatively high oil content.

Lecithin is extracted from soybean oil. A natural emulsifier and lubricant, lecithin is used for everything from pharmaceuticals to protective coatings. For example, lecithin keeps chocolate and cocoa butter in a candy bar from separating.

Source: United Soybean Board

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