Commonly used in Chinese cuisine, the soybean is becoming popular across the globe. The soybean is often confused with a pulse but is actually classified as an oilseed. It grows annually with a history going back over 5,000 years to Asia.
Soybeans can be found in many fermented and non-fermented foods. Fermented foods containing soybeans include soy sauce, miso, and other sauces like natto. Non-fermented soy foods include soymilk and tofu. Soybean meal is a source of protein in animal feed.
Choosing the Best
For the best flavor, choose fresh soybeans with bright green pods. Each pod will have up to four soybeans when shelled. Shelled fresh soybeans are sometimes available in refrigerated sections at local markets. The soybeans should be bright green. Frozen soybeans are also shelled and available.
Storage
Soybeans should be used as soon as possible. The freshness deteriorates quickly. However, it is possible to store soybeans by refrigerating them in sealed containers. If soybeans are shelled they can be frozen for two months.
Preparing and Cooking
It is easy to increase the nutritional power of any meal with soybeans. Adding soy to a favorite recipe is tasty and pleasing to everyone. Soybeans improve a person’s efforts of living a healthy lifestyle.
One of the most popular soybean products is tofu. Tofu is a soybean curd paste that is high in protein. It is added to soups, stir-fries, and other dishes to give a big boost of flavor and protein.
The current trend is to add shelled soybeans to salads and pasta. The shelled soybeans give a fresh, crisp nutty taste and a burst of protein to the dish. A cold pasta salad is transformed with a handful of shelled soybeans. A tossed salad becomes something new with the addition of fresh soybeans.
The nutritional benefits of the soybean can also be added to a dish with sauces that make use of soybeans. Soy sauce, or shoyu, and miso are the two most popular sauces containing soybeans. Soy sauce can be added to numerous dishes for a unique flavor.
Nutrition Highlights
Soybean oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. This special nutritional component has many health benefits. Soybean oil is one of the only vegetable oils to contain this component.
Nutritional data for one serving which is 3.5 ounces is as follows:
- Carbohydrates – 30.16 g
- Dietary fiber – 9.3 g
- Fat- 19.94 g
- Protein – 36.49 g
- Lysine – 2.706 g
- Vitamin C – 10%
- Vitamin K – 45%
- Calcium – 28%
- Iron – 126%
- Potassium – 38%
More Articles: