Soybeans have been eaten for over 5,000 years around the world, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These green vegetables are nutritious, and research has shown they have several health benefits. Soybeans can be processed in a number of different ways to make various types of edible products. Interestingly, they can also be processed to make non-edible industrial products.
Roasted Soybean Products
Roasted whole soybeans are a crunchy nut-like food called soy nuts. Roasted soybeans can also be crushed into pieces and used as an ice cream topping, or added to cookie dough, candies, or crackers. Additionally, roasted soybeans can be processed to the consistency of peanut butter to make soy butter.
Fresh Soybeans
Fresh soybeans are cooked and used in foods in a similar manner to peas. They are steamed in their pods to make edamame, and the bean is taken from the pod and eaten at the table. They can also be added to stir-fries, soups, and rice dishes to add texture, taste and nutrients.
Tofu
Tofu is a food that is made in a similar manner to cheese, but made from soy milk as opposed to cow's or goat's milk. Fresh soy milk is allowed to curdle, and the result is solids called tofu, or bean curd. Tofu varies by its firmness, which is based on how much liquid it contains -- the more liquid, the softer the texture. Soft tofu can be made firmer by removing some of the liquid with cheesecloth. Tofu can be used in soups, salads, or in various sauces.
Baked Goods
Roasting and grinding soybeans very finely generates soy flour, which can be used in a manner similar to wheat flour. Soy flour is made from the whole soybeans, and thus is quite rich in protein. In fact, each gram of soy flour contains 0.5 g of protein. Soy flour can be used to create a number of foods that are traditionally made with wheat flour in the U.S. These foods include pasta, breads, cakes, doughnuts, pie crusts, pancakes, and breakfast cereals.
Non-food Products
Soy can also be used to make non-edible products. Soybean oil can be processed and made into a plethora of products with industrial uses. Among the many products that soybean oil can be made into are water-based paints, pesticides, cosmetics, inks, and adhesives, leather substitutes, electrical insulation, plastics, diesel fuel, protective coatings, soaps, and even a waterproof cement. They can be used to protect other products against static and corrosion.
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