One of the most remarkable agricultural products the world has ever known came to America on the ship of a rather unremarkable man by the name of Samuel Bowen. He was an ordinary sailor who came to America in 1765. The sailor gave up his oars for a team of oxen, settling in Georgia and raising soybeans to make soy sauce.
Amazingly, it would take almost 200 years before anyone in America realized just how versatile the plant really was. Shortly after the Dust Bowl, with nation’s greatest minds working for a solution, the soybean made its debut as a viable option for keeping the parched earth together. Then, one of the greatest business minds of the 20th century, Henry Ford, invested over one million dollars into researching the bean.
Today, soy is used in everything from printer ink cartridges cheap to shock absorbers. Soy protein is also used in many food products including veggie burgers. Vegans are well-aware of its high protein content. For the average Joe, it is just one of many obscure ingredients put in cat food, canned meats, and even bread.
If you looked carefully, you would find that this incredible bean played a role in the production of soaps, resins, plastics, crayons, and even clothing! If you can name it, soy probably had a hand in making it. Some types of printer ink cartridges cheap even use this plant’s oil as a main ingredient.
Below are some of the more common uses for soy:
- Food Products
Before the 1920s, soy was rarely used in the food industry. Things have changed. Today, Soy is used on many industrial farms as feed for the cattle or swine.
- Candles
Many businesses in recent times have sprouted up to sell soy candles due to their widespread popularity. It is sold as an essential oil and known for its mild, nutty odor.
- Printer ink
Starting in the 1970′s, companies have been researching the feasibility of using soybean oil to create long lasting, vibrantly colored inks that could be used in home printers or commercial printing presses. California finally succeeded in passing a law which requires printer manufacturers to start using soy in their printer ink cartridges cheap. Finally, the ink industry will have to be more responsible in how they treat the environment.
- Biodiesel
It might surprise you to learn that the majority of this nation’s biodiesel comes from soybean oil. Because the soybean flakes are used in agriculture, oil is fairly low-cost, making it a great option as a fuel.