(Newswire.net — April 8, 2024) — As April ushers in the celebration of National Soy Foods Month, Amy’s Kitchen stands at the forefront of the festivities, championing the versatility of soy-based products. These special 30 days serve as a timely reminder of the sustainable and nourishing alternatives that soy foods offer.
Amy’s Kitchen, driven by co-founders Andy and Rachel Berliner’s vision, is deeply rooted in helping people by providing organic and vegetarian food options that are both accessible and convenient.
Rachel Berliner’s approach to product development focuses first on whether a product is something customers will enjoy. “What we think first is, ‘Is this a good product? Is this going to serve our customers? Are we going to help people?’” Rachel Berliner told Food Business News. “This philosophy underscores everything Amy’s Kitchen does, from ingredient sourcing to the final product.”
Founded on the principles of organic and non-GMO ingredients, Amy’s Kitchen has long recognized the value of soy as a cornerstone in its diverse range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly offerings. From savory soy burgers to delightful tofu scrambles, Amy’s has mastered the art of making soy not just a substitute, but a star ingredient in its own right.
Soy foods have been a staple in Asian cuisines for centuries, celebrated for their nutritional benefits and versatility. Rich in protein and fiber, and containing essential amino acids, soy products are not only a boon for vegetarians and vegans, but for anyone looking to incorporate a more plant-based approach to their diet. Moreover, soy’s potential to lower cholesterol levels and its association with reduced risks of heart disease adds to its appeal as a dietary choice.
Amy’s Kitchen has creatively harnessed soy’s potential, crafting meals that cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and needs. The brand’s commitment to organic farming practices also speaks volumes about Amy’s Kitchen’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By choosing soy — a crop that requires less water and land compared to animal farming — Amy’s underscores the role diet has in combating climate change.
“The motivation in the beginning was to provide this convenient, organic vegetarian food because it wasn’t in the marketplace,” Rachel Berliner shared with Food Business News.
Soy Story: A History
The history of soy food is deeply rooted in East Asia, where the soybean originated and has played a significant role in traditional diets for thousands of years, used in various forms, including fermented and unfermented foods. Traditional unfermented uses of soybeans include soy milk, which serves as a base for tofu and tofu skin, while fermented forms include soy sauce, bean paste, nattō, and tempeh.
Soybeans were first farmed in central China in the 11th century B.C. They were used not only as food but also as medicine. Historical records detail the comprehensive role of soybeans in nutrition and their evolution into a variety of foods, including the development of green vegetable soybeans (edamame), soy sprouts, soy nuts, and various soybean flour products.
Known for its isoflavones that act as antioxidants and defend against cell damage, soy has been celebrated for its dietary fiber, unsaturated fat, vitamins, and minerals. Colorado State University’s Kendall Reagan Nutrition Center has recognized National Soy Foods Month by sharing creative ways to incorporate more soy into one’s lifestyle, like using soybean oil for baking, roasting, and sauteing, or subbing tempeh for meat in dishes like sloppy Joes and tacos.
Through the years, superstar soy consumers — from Madonna to Clueless cutie Alicia Silverstone — have been vocal about ingesting soy products. Silverstone referred to soy as a “good staple to have around,” according to livekindly.com, while the Daily Mail reported that pop icon Madonna “eats a combination of whole grains, vegetables and seaweed with miso, soy, and tempeh that help nurture her intestinal flora.”
How To Celebrate National Soy Month
Whether you’re a long-time lover of soy or just soy-curious, this month is the perfect opportunity to explore the world of soy. Stock up on some Amy’s Kitchen products such as Amy’s Vegan Vegetable Lasagna and Black Bean And Vegetable Enchilada.
Explore Soy Basics
Kick off the month by incorporating simple soy foods into your diet. Swap out your usual milk for soy milk in your morning coffee, or whip up a smoothie with soy milk as the base. Not only is soy milk delicious but it’s also packed with protein and can be a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Snack on Edamame
Edamame are young soybeans still in the pod, and they make for a fantastic and nutritious snack. Simply steam or boil them and sprinkle them with a dash of salt for a tasty treat. They’re fun to eat and can help keep those midday hunger pangs at bay.
Get Soy Saucy
Soy sauce is a staple in many kitchens, but during National Soy Foods Month, why not delve deeper into the world of soy sauce? Try different varieties, such as light, dark, or sweet, and use them in marinades, dressings, and dips.
Earlier this year, for the first time in its 350-year history, Kikkoman released a dark soy sauce crafted exclusively for the Indian market. And if you want to go next level, according to chef Samin Nosrat, star of Salt Fat Acid Heat on Netflix, there are breweries in Japan that are making soy sauce that costs $125 for less than 4 tablespoons.
However, Nosrat insists there’s no need to drop a major coin on pricey soy sauce or stress out about it. “If you’re able to buy local/organic/seasonal and indulge in pricey imported pantry items, fine, but don’t be judgy about it,” Samin told The Seattle Times. “Because of its richness and intensity, a little goes a long way.”
And if you’re feeling really daring and want to shake things up for National Soy Foods Month, there’s even a chocolate soy sauce by Yuasa Soy Sauce. In January 2021, the brand launched Cacao Jang, a ” chocolate-flavored soy sauce” fermented soybean product that can be added to sweets like ice cream or savories like steak.