Many people that have adopted a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle, see soybeans as a great source of nutrition. Yes, soybeans are great; great for everyone. There is an increasing demand for protein worldwide and soybeans, high in protein, have become an important element in our diets and that of other farm animals.

Soybeans are a bigger part of our vegetable meals and recipes. In the world of vegans and those who are allergic to animal milk, processed soybeans are used to make milk and are a great substitute. Soy sauce, which adds flavour to our delicious meals, is made from mature fermented soybeans, while roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute. Soy flour, on the other hand, is used as additives and extenders to cereal flour, substitute meat products (vegetable sausages and burgers) and in health foods.

According to Agribook.co.za:

• Soybeans are the fourth largest crop in the world after maize, wheat and rice.
• Soybeans are an important source of vegetable oil and protein worldwide and there is growing interest in soy products amongst people who want to be healthy. Soy contains significant amounts of all the essential amino acids for humans.
• Soybeans are a biofuel crop.
• Soybean meal is a very rich protein feedstuff for livestock while the vegetative portions of the plant can be used as silage, hay, pasture or may be ploughed in as green manure.
• The oil is used in the manufacturing of paints, linoleum, oilcloth, printing inks, soaps, insecticides and disinfectants. The lecithin phospholipids that are obtained as a by-product of the oil industry are used as wetting and stabilising agents in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, leather, paint, plastic, soaps and detergent industries. Soybean meal and soybean protein are used in the manufacture of synthetic fibre, adhesives, textile sizing, waterproofing and fire-fighting foam. The straw can be used to make paper that is stiffer than that made from wheat straw.

To many, like me, who are newcomers in farming, soybeans should be our thought of the day. Remember to read more on soybeans, this is just sparking a conversation on the subject.

– Mokgokong Mokgethi