The soya bean (Glycine max) has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and, with an annual production of over 250 million tonnes, is now one of the most important crops. It contains around 37% protein, the quality of which is very similar to that of animal protein, as well as around 20% oil. This makes it one of the world’s key sources of protein and oil. In addition to protein and oil, soya also provides phytochemicals such as phytoestrogens, which are known for their regulatory effects on hormone balance.

In the food industry, soya beans are used as an ingredient in plant-based protein products, soya flours and soya drinks, whilst the majority are used for oil extraction. The soya oil obtained from this process is used both as a cooking oil and in industrial processing, for example in the production of biodiesel or paints. The by-product of oil pressing – protein-rich soya meal – is an important feedstuff in livestock farming.

Quality:organic, conventional

INCI name:Glycine max

Origin: Hungary, Austria, Germany

Sectors: Food, Feed, Biodiesel

Characteristics: high in protein, oil-rich, versatile