Variations on Bean theme

Here’s a brief guide to soy products.
– Tofu – Also called soybean curd, tofu is made from curdled soy milk drained and pressed. The firmness of the tofu depends on how much water has been pressed out. Tofu conies in soft, regular, firm and extra-firm varieties.

– Soy milk – The non-dairy beverage is made of water and soy beans. It has a nutty flavour and highly nutritious. It can be substituted for cows milk.

– Soy sauce – This condiment and seasoning is made by fermenting soybeans with roasted wheat or barley. There are many soy sauces, from thin to thick, light to dark and sweet. There is also a low-salt soy sauce.

– Edamame – This is the Japanese name for fresh soybeans that come in bright green pods. They are available cooked and frozen in the produce section of some supermarkets and health food stores. They are available fresh at some farmers markets from late spring to early fall.

Edamame can be eaten alone or served in salads.
– Miso – Fermented soybean paste comes in a wide variety of flavours and colours. The Lighter misos are used with delicately flavoured foods, and the darker varieties go in more strongly flavoured dishes. Miso can be found in health food stores, Japanese and Chinese markets and some supermarkets.

– Soy beans – Fresh soybeans can be found in the produce section of some supermarkets and health food stores. They are also available in the dried form. Fresh soybeans make good snacks and salad toppers when roasted.

– Soy sprouts – Germinated soy beans can be found in the produce section of some supermarkets and health food stores. They are great on sandwiches and in salads and can be stir-fried.

– Soy protein powder – Flavourless, this can be stirred into juices, yogurt and smoothies or added to cereals.

– Soy flour – This high-protein, low-carbohydrate flour is best used with other flours rather than alone. It can be used in baking and sauces.

– Soy oil – Soy oil is low in saturated fats and has a high smoking point. It fries foods with a very “clean” taste.

– Textured Vegetable Protein – TVP is made of soy flour and processed into granules or chunks. It has a texture somewhat similar to ground meat or stew meat when rehydrated.

– Tempeh – A smoky, dense, fermented soy bean cake, tempeh can be grilled or added to soups and casseroles.
If you’re a sprouts fan, try soy sprouts. Look for them at farmer’s markets and some grocery stores. Use them in salads and sandwiches as you would other sprouts.