Soya Bean (Glycine max)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Glycine max is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

nutty flavour and fragrance - it is used in many popular confections. — Mature seed - cooked.; The seeds furnish one of the world's most important sources of oil and protein, they can be eaten as they are in soups, stews etc, though they are also very commonly used in the preparation of various meat substitutes.; The dried seed can be ground into a flour and added to cereal flours or used for making noodles etc.; The Japanese make a powder from the roasted and ground seed, it is called 'Kinako' and has a nutty flavour and fragrance - it is used in many popular confections.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland thickets, C. and S. Japan. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)