soybean oil

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Soybean oil is a pale yellow oil derived from soybeans, a legume native to East Asia. It is a versatile product with numerous applications, including as a food source, in paints, varnishes, linoleum, printing ink, and soap.12

Economically, the soybean is a crucial crop, providing significant vegetable protein for both human and animal consumption. It contains about 17% oil and 63% meal, with the meal being 50% protein. Historically, soybeans were domesticated in China around 7000 BCE and have been a staple in East Asian diets for millennia, used in products like soy milk and tofu.2

In the United States, soybeans were introduced in 1804 but gained significant importance later. Modern processing methods, particularly those developed around the early 20th century and improved during World War II, enhanced the oil's usability for food products like margarine and shortening, as well as for industrial applications. The development of genetically modified soybeans has also increased their cultivation and resistance to herbicides.32

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Soybean
Soybean provides protein of high biological value. Although Asia is its original source, the United States became the major world producer in the late 20th century.
Read More
Soybean provides protein of high biological value. Although Asia is its original source, the United States became the major world producer in the late 20th century.
Read More