Known as a ''miracle crop'' in the US because of its versatility in different climates, soybean originated in China in the 11th century B.C.
Soybean cultivation in America became possible in 1765 because of Samuel Bowen, a farmer. Bowen made it possible to grow soybean in Savannah, Georgia and this culminated in the spread and massive cultivation of this plant.
Soybean proved their flexible usage in many ways:
1. During Civil War, soldiers use soybean as a coffee alternative
2. During Great Depression, soybean became an important staple in the American diet.
Today, the top soybean producers are in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, China, and India.