Quality of Canadian food-type soybeans 2016

Food-type soybean samples

The Canadian Grain Commission received 19 natto-type and 456 generic food-type soybean samples including 6 from Prairies, 313 from Ontario, and 137 from Quebec region. All samples were graded by the Canadian Grain Commission’s Industry Services (IS) and were Canada No. 2 or higher. Composite samples were prepared according to region as shown in Figure 1. Composites were also prepared according to individual processor, and processor by region. All composite samples were analyzed for 100-seed weight, water absorption capacity/water uptake factor, protein, oil, sugar and total isoflavones content. Protein and oil content were determined using a Tecator Infratec 1241 Grain Analyzer near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer which was calibrated and verified against the appropriate laboratory reference method. Sugars and isoflavones were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. It is important to note that samples reported by grade do not necessarily represent the actual distribution of grade.

Figure 1. Map of Canada showing origin of 2016 food-type soybean samples from Canadian Grain Commission’s Harvest Sample Program