The soya bean (Glycine max) grows in pods enclosing edible seeds.They are usually green but can be yellow, brown or black. The texture is so adaptable that soya beans are frequently processed into a variety of foods. Soya beans – also known as edamame beans when eaten fresh from the pod – are consumed as an alternative to meat. They are the basis of soya milk, tofu, miso, tempeh and soya protein.The key benefits of soya are its high protein content, vitamins, minerals and insoluble fibre.