Soybean
The soybean, also known as the soya bean, is a plant native to Eastern Asia. It is often used in the production of vegetarian-safe foods, such as soy milk or infant formula. It is also a source of vitamin E. Soy milk is used as a mild alternative for people suffering from lactose intolerance or chronic heartburn, and soybeans are the primary ingredient in a foodstuff called tofu, frequently used in East Asian cuisine. Soy sauce, made from fermented soya beans, is important as a condiment and ingredient in East Asian cooking.
| Soybean | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom Information | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum Information | |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Sub-phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class Information | |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order Information | |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family Information | |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus Information | |
| Genus | Glycine |
| Species Information | |
| Species | max |
| Population statistics | |
Raw soybeans (known as edamame) are also used as a feed for livestock, especially pigs and poultry. Soy has become a major crop in the United States but is not as commonly cultivated in Africa, Europe or South America. In the US, soybeans and tofu are a favorite food of liberals and radical environmentalists. PETA for example has been known to promote that Americans eat "soy turkeys" on Thanksgiving.