Soybeans Spread To The Rest Of The World

The soybean is often called “miracle crop” because of the many ways humans are able to utilize it. Soybeans are native to eastern Asia and, for centuries, they have contributed a major part of the Asian diet; however, the consumption of soybeans has been spread to the rest of the world as well. Surprisingly, according to Gibson and Benson, authors from the Agronomy

Department at Iowa State University, the main growers of this protein-rich plant are now the

United States, Brazil and Argentina.1 It is a multi-billion-dollar industry that uses up millions of acres for harvesting. Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture’s statistics show that most of the population will eat at least 35-40 pounds of soybeans annually.2 Since the discovery of soybeans,

The origin of soybeans can be traced back to the eleventh century B.C in the eastern half of North China. One of the first discoveries of soybeans, for America, was when Benjamin

Franklin wrote a letter in the 1770’s describing how cheese was made from soybeans in China.

The cheese he referred to was later identified as tofu. Soy bean seeds did not reach the United

States until the mid nineteenth century when a crew member was rescued from a Japanese fishing boat in the Pacific Ocean. Soy bean seeds were given to Illinois and other corn belt states as a gift from the Japanese. Farmers realized that soybeans were a great forage for their livestock, which increased the seed’s popularity among farms. Later, in 1904, a famous American chemist, George Washington Carver, conducted studies proving that soybeans were high in protein and a great source of oil. He also encouraged farmers to rotate their cotton crops with soybeans, which resulted in improved fields.

Soybeans have become a major diet in the American culture. For starters, an

In many food, soy is included to boost the amount of protein. In 1917, Many of the drinks (or shakes) that substitute meals are soy based because of their high levels of protein. Meat products can also be enhanced by the addition of soy; it helps maintain the juiciness, protein and appetizing color and appearance.Soy is the ultimate meal substitute for those who choose to be vegan. Soy burger, soy hot dogs, soy milk, and tofu for example, serve as a replacement to meat and dairy products.

The United States Department of Agriculture investigates that “Soybeans are the second most- planted field crop in the United States after corn, with 77.5 million acres planted in 2009.”4

The soybean industry has succeeded immensely throughout the years, expanding the annual profit and harvest for soybeans. Although people think about using soybeans mostly for nutritional purposes, since the 1940’s, the United States has been using them for numerous purposes in addition to food. During World War Two, for example, the United States was in need of oil, plastic and lubricant; soybeans were the best solution. They are able to produce the oil through the process of extraction and produce a form of plastic from the shell that