KAREN BUTLER Maryland Correspondent KEEDYSVILLE, Md. Edi ble soybeans are “More than just a hill of beans,” according to Uni versity of Maryland home eco nomics agent Cassandra Corridon. They are high in protein and fiber, an excellent source of calcium, B vitamins and iron, a complete source of essential amino acids, low in saturated fats, and choles terol free. Sandy touted the beans at a program held recently at the Field Day at Western Maryland Research and Education Center (WMREC) in Keedysvillc, Washington County. ‘They are easy and convenient to use, and can be made a part of any recipe,” Sandy told her audi ence. Look for tofu, a processed form of the beans, in the fresh pro duce section of your grocery store. Other processed soy products include soy flour, soy milk, tem pch, and TSP, or texturized soy protein, which is made from defat ted soy flour. Less well known to consumers, and a great deal more difficult to find, are fresh edible green soy beans. Test plots are currently being trialed at WMREC and sev eral other research farms in Mary land. According to WMREC farm manager Frank Allnutt, 10 named varieties of the edible beans are being grown in test plots along side regular field beans. “This is the first year we have grown them ",cre,” Allnutt said. The beans can be steamed an eaten as a fresh vegetable. The University is looking at which soybean varieties have the characteristics which make them more appropriate for people to eat. Specifically, the Extension service is looking at the usability for tofu or as fresh beans, yield, and usa bility for dried beans. While edi ble soybeans are classified accord ing to maturity groups like their field bean cousins, when they are harvested green they don’t take as long. Dr. Herb Reed, area extension agent in field crops for Southern Maryland, is currently researching the edible green soybeans. According to Dr. Reed, some var- This Vegetable Is More Than A Hill Of Beans ieties of soybeans tend to have lower levels of proteinase inhibi tors, substances which make them more difficult for people to digest The presence or absence of pro teinase inhibitors, and the tender ness of the pod are the two prim ary factors that differentiate edible green soybeans from field varities. “Some have pod types that can be used unshelled like a snow pea, and some can be shelled out and eaten like a fresh green pea.” said Dr. Reed. The edible beans are relatively new here, but have been produced in Japan for quite a while, said Dr. Reed. There, breeders are also focusing on developing process ing beans for tofu, because diffe rent characteristics are required for processing than for eating the beans fresh from the field. Specifi cally, they want a larger seed for processing, and one where the hylum, or area where the seed is connected to the pod, is clear or white. In most soybeans the hylum is dark. Whether you can find a source for the fresh edible green soy beans, or you incorporate the pro cessed form, tofu, into your diet, you can take advantage of the healthful vegetable. Research shows soybeans are helpful in preventing and fighting cancer because they are rich in compounds called phytochemi cals, which are plant nutrients. They may inhibit tumor growth. They can help reduce heart dis ease by inhibiting plaque growth in the arteries. They help fight osteoporosis not only becaue they are themselves an excellent source of calcium, but also because soy protein helps conserve the calcium in our bodies. They can hlep con trol diabetes by slowing the absorption of sugar in the bloods tream. Finally, they can slow down menopause symptom* because they contain phytoestro gen, or plant estrogen. mm™* Cherry Tofu Delight 1 (8 ounce) package low-fa* cream cheese, softened 1 (10.5 ounce) package f\m tofi 1 (8 ounce) container lite whipped topping 1 can cherry pie filling Blend cream cheese and tofu in blender until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Mix in pie fill ing and spoon into parfait glasses. Refrigerate until set. Garnish and serve. Yield: 16 servings (178 calories, 4.2 g fat). Tofu Croutons 1 tablespoon commeal 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 pound extra-firm light tofu, drained and cut into 'A -inch cubes 1 tablespoon tamari Vegetable cooking spray Romaine lettuce, sliced Fat-free Caesar Dressing Fresh grated Parmesan cheese Combine commeal and orega no; stir well. Combine tofu and tamari in a bowl; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle commeal mixture over tofu; toss gently to coat Coat a large nonstick skillet with cook ing spray, and place over medium heat until hot. Add tofu; cook 3 minutes or until lightly browned turning occasionally. Remove from skillet; set aside. Toss romaine lettuce with dressing. Top salad with Parmesan cheese and '/: cup croutons. Missing Egg Salad 1 pound firm low-fat tofu 1. large stalk celery, chopped 'A cup finely chopped onion 2 tablespoons to ‘A cup sweet pickle relish '/ cup low-fat mayonnaise 1 tablespoon prepared mustard Salt and pepper to taste In a large bowl, mash the tofu with a fork; it will be crumbly. Add the celery, onion, relish, may onnaise, mustard, salt and pepper; mix thoroughly. Serve the spread on whole wheat bread or in pita pockets with lettuce, sliced toma toes and sprouts. Makes 4 servings (66 calories, 2f fat). LIQUID MANURE SPREADER 4•I OR I WHEE SPREADER! WITH POWER > m STEERING >3fi9TDlfll US GAL —' SPREADERS WITH SINGH AXIS OR )' TANDEM • 2351 TO MOI US GAL -p* (gf -p==^X®r •"Vihopo Pottom lor mon • Standard nlorlor finish complain titan out. tpoay prlmtr ud aradiana punt. » Low prolllo Unit lor mailmum riilblllty ond ttaPlllly Mid-Atlantic Agrisystems Liquid Waste Specialists 800-^^94B Lancaster Farming, Saturday, August 24, 1996-811 y J^tKi"' Wm* *£39* SkS A cherry dessert was just one of the healthful tofu dishes created and served by Cassandra Corridon. Annual Benefit Sale NEW HOLLAND (Lancaster Co.) If you happen to be travel ing or vacationing in Lancaster County Tourist Country on Satur day, Labor Day weekend, 8:00-4:00, be sure to turn North on Shirk Road, 1 mile of Route 23, West of New Holland. The Annu al Benefit Sale is being held at Beiler Hydraulics’ former loca tion. Homemade ice cream will be made on site, with antique Hit and Miss engines and old-time freez ers. The local community will be making on-site subs, soft pretzels, chicken Bar-B-Que, chicken com soup, and donuts. Plenty of fresh [9l 54 Queen Road, PO. Box 497 Intercourse. PA 17534 (717)768-7100 Offices also in. New Holland Willow Street baked goods, crafts and much more will be offered in a flea market style. Platters (chicken bar-b-que, baked potatoes, and coleslaw) will be served 10:00-3:00. This is an annual non profit event done by the communi ty as a fund drive to help the unfortunate families with large hospital bills. Come on over. The food is delicious! The people are friendly. “Chust eat yourself full!” Spend the day in the country. JAMES & CLARK Attorneys-At-Law Mark L. James Estate Planning for Farm Families • Wills, trusts and tax planning • Charitable giving Business Planning for Farm Families • Farm partnerships and corporations • Succession Plannmg/Farm Translers Real Estate • Tax-free exchanges of real estate • Real estate settlements • Public sales Estate Settlements • Prompt settlement (most completed in 3 months) • Tax planning during settlement *1 t i James R. Clark
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