Soybean Fun Facts!
- Soybeans are small round seeds, each with a tiny, brown spot called a hilum.
- Each soybean plant grows 60-80 pods, and each pod has 3-4 beans inside.
- The soybean is used for animal and human consumption, as well as consumer and industrial use.
- Farmers in China began growing soybeans more than 5,000 years ago.
- One bushel of soybean weighs 60 pounds.
- One bushel of soybeans provides 11 pounds of crude soybean oil and 47 pounds of soybean meal.
- Soybeans are a source of high-quality protein and contain all eight of the essential amino acids.
- The soybean plant sprouts small flowers which grow into small pods of soybeans.
- The soybean is one of the most versatile seeds grown in the world.
- In 2018, Illinois farmers grew 699 million bushels of soybeans, making them the #1 producer in the U.S.
- The soybean is the highest natural source of dietary fiber.
- One acre of soybeans can produce approximately 82,368 crayons.
- Soy ink is used in over 95% of America’s daily newspaper.
- Soy-based foam is used for seat cushions in many vehicles.
- The average American consumes nearly half a cup of soybeans in some way each day.
*From the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom 2018-19 Calendar for Teachers