If you think soy just means tofu or soymilk, you are in for a surprise. Here we give you the scoop on 16 popular soy foods, including ideas for how to incorporate them into your diet.
Edamame
Edamame are immature soybeans picked while still green and eaten directly from the pod. They are often served in Japanese restaurants and Sushi bars as an appetizer.
Miso
Miso is a rich, salty condiment that characterizes the essence of Japanese cooking. A smooth paste, miso is made from soybeans and a grain such as rice, plus salt and a mold culture, all aged in cedar vats for one to three years. Miso should be refrigerated. Use miso to flavor soups, sauces, dressings and marinades. The easiest, and most well-known, preparation is Miso Soup
Soy Cheese
Soy cheese is made from soymilk. Its creamy texture makes it an easy substitute for sour cream or cream cheese, and it can be found in a variety of flavors in natural foods stores. Products made with soy cheese include soy pizza.
Soy Sour Cream
Soy sour cream is made from soy milk; cultures and souring agents are added to replicate traditional sour cream. It can be used as a substitute for the dairy version in any recipe.
Soy Fiber
There are three basic types of soy fiber: okara, soy bran and soy isolate fiber. All of these products are high-quality, inexpensive sources of dietary fiber.