Soybeans

Probably the richest source of protein in the world, soybeans contain twice the protein of the same weight of beef, carry more iron than the same weight of a beef liver, and are richer in digestible calcium than an equivalent amount of milk. They are also a highly versatile food, yielding not only the bean itself, but also soybean sprouts, soy sauce, bean curd in all of its forms, and soy milk. In China, the whole pods are boiled in salted water, and then the beans are removed and eaten as a snack or as a popular appetizer in Shanghai.