Soy Producers Key Terms

Familiarize yourself with soy producers terms

Soy is becoming increasingly popular as its nutritional benefits become known. Although soy is a legume in the vegetable family, it is a great protein source that can add a complete list of essential amino acids to any diet. Soy is also being used for non-edible products, such as biodiesel that can continue to improve our environment. Being familiar with soy producers terms will allow you to make educated decisions about using soy in a variety of ways.

 

Edamame

Edamame are soybeans harvested prior to the hardening phase of growth. The bean is parboiled and quick frozen to preserve freshness and can be consumed as a snack or added to recipes and salads as a protein source.
Try: Edamame.com defines edamame and provides a history of the uses and consumption of the legume, as well as nutritional information.

Threshing

Threshing is the process of physically removing the edible part of the bean from the pod. This step can be done by hand or by machine. The soybean is delicate, making this process an important one that must be done with care.
Try: National Soybean Research Laboratory offers details about the threshing process and the options for completing this step in soy production.

Soy biodiesel

Soy biodiesel is an alternative for vehicles and machines that run off of diesel fuel. Soy biodiesel is a clean-burning, nontoxic fuel that can be made purely from soy or can be used in combination with petroleum diesel to make a blend.
Try: The Iowa Soybean Association outlines the benefits of using soy biodiesel.

Soybean inoculation

Soybean inoculation is the process of introducing microorganisms during the planting process in order to increase the soybeans' nitrogen fixation. Research shows that inoculation increases the production of the crop.
Try: The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Pennsylvania State University details the inoculation of soybeans and its possible results.

Photoperiod sensitivity

Soybeans are photoperiod sensitive, meaning that their growth from a dormant state into a reproductive stage occurs in correspondence with the length of day. The amount of darkness during a 24-hour time period affects the flowering of the soybean plants.
Try: Clemson University refers to an article published by North Carolina State explaining the importance of photoperiod sensitivity to soybeans.

Essential amino acids

Essential amino acids are not produced by the body, making them crucial to your diet. Soybeans are packed full of essential amino acids, making them a great source of nutrition.
Try: HyperPhysics explains the chemistry behind essential amino acids and their importance to the diet.

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