Soybean

Soybean, rice, wheat, millet, and corn are recognized as "five grains" in eastern society. The five grains perform a significant role in eastern diet. Soybean is not only served as food but also used as a symbol to against devil spirits in Japan. 

Soybean originates at eastern Asia, China, and Japan. Early written accounts identified soy as one of five sacred grains. The cultivated soybean is named Glycine (Greek meaning sweet) max (meaning large) (L.) Merrill. It was first cultivated in the United States in the mid-eighteenth century.

In Asia, soybeans (Glycine max) have been cultivated as a food crop for over five thousand years. Although the origins of the plant are obscure, many botanists believe it to have derived from Glycine ussuriensis, a legume family member native to central China. Today, soy plants are cultivated around the world with the United States being one of the leading producers. While soy still serves as a valuable source of protein for millions of people in Asia, over 90 percent of the soy crop grown in the United States is used to feed livestock.

Green soybean 

      Green soybeans (Edamame) are harvested at a fresh green stage. They have a different flavor, and a larger oval size than yellow soybeans. Green soybeans possess sweet and buttery taste. There are two types of fresh soy (with or without husks) can be found in frozen vegetables section in Asian groceries, some natural food stores and supermarkets. They are rich in proteins, vitamin A, vitamin B1, B2, vitamin C, and minerals. The green color of fresh soy is very pleasing, and they are good for snacks. 

       For quick snacking, apply a pinch of salt to Edamame (with husks) and gently rub beans then boil beans in boiling water for few minutes. Take out the beans and let it cool for 5 minutes. Enjoy the snacks!

Yellow soybean

     Yellow soybeans are harvested after the plants and husks are dried up. They are rich in proteins, minerals, vitamin A, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. Soybeans also provide polyunsaturated fat that has the effects of lowering LDL.  In addition, they contain disease fighting substances- phytochemicals.