Food-Grade Soybean Variety Evaluation Studies

The ISU Northeast Research Farm has been evaluating food-grade soybean varieties for the last four years. The last two years has included the new Iowa State low-linolenic soybean varieties. The “low lin” soybeans have lower levels of linolenic acid, which reduces or eliminates the need for partial hydrogenation, a process used to extend freshness of food products and the frying life of conventional cooking oils. The level of linolenic acid determines whether it will reduce or eliminate the need for hydrogenation. The partial hydrogenation process results in the formation of trans fatty acids, which are linked to heart disease because they elevate LDL (bad) cholesterol while lowering HDL (good) cholesterol