To make soya beans powder, you process dry soybeans through soaking, blending, drying, and grinding. This powder can then be used in recipes to increase protein and calorie intake, which can aid in weight gain when part of a suitable diet.
Making soya bean powder involves transforming dry beans into a fine, usable powder. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Preparation: Soaking and Blending
The first steps involve preparing the soybeans for processing.
- Obtain Soybeans: Start with high-quality dry soybeans. You'll typically need about 1 pound of dry soybeans to make a batch of powder.
- Soak the Beans: Place the dry soybeans in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water. Soak the soybeans in water for 6-8 hours or overnight to soften them. This step is crucial for making them easier to blend and digest.
- Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain and rinse the soaked beans thoroughly under running water. This removes the soaking water and any potential anti-nutrients that may have leached out.
- Blend into Puree: Transfer the soaked and rinsed beans to a blender or food processor. In a blender or food processor, blend the soaked soybeans until they form a smooth puree. You might need to add a little water to achieve a smooth consistency, but use as little as possible to make the subsequent drying step easier.
2. Drying the Puree
Turning the soybean puree into a powder requires complete drying.
- Spread Thin: Spread the soybean puree thinly and evenly onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or dehydrator trays. The thinner the layer, the faster and more effectively it will dry.
- Dry Thoroughly: Dry the puree using one of the following methods until it is completely brittle and snaps easily when broken:
- Oven: Dry in an oven set to the lowest possible temperature (e.g., 150-200°F or 65-90°C). This can take several hours, potentially 4-8 hours or more, depending on the thickness and temperature. You can prop the oven door open slightly to help moisture escape.
- Dehydrator: Use a food dehydrator according to the manufacturer's instructions for vegetables or fruits, typically around 135°F (57°C) for 6-10 hours or until completely dry.
- Cool: Once completely dry, allow the brittle soybean material to cool down fully to room temperature.
3. Grinding into Powder
The dried soybean material must now be ground into a fine powder.
- Break into Pieces: Break the dried soybean sheets or clumps into smaller pieces.
- Grind: Place the dried pieces into a high-powered blender, spice grinder, or coffee grinder. Grind the material in batches until it reaches a fine, consistent powder texture.
4. Storage
Proper storage ensures the longevity and freshness of your homemade soya bean powder.
- Cool Completely: Make sure the powder is completely cool before storing.
- Airtight Container: Store the soya bean powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. A glass jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid works well.
How Soya Bean Powder Aids Weight Gain
Soya bean powder is rich in protein, making it a valuable addition for those looking to gain weight, particularly in the form of muscle mass.
- Protein Source: Soy protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.
- Calorie Boost: Adding soya bean powder to shakes, smoothies, or meals increases their calorie and protein content without adding significant volume, making it easier to consume more calories throughout the day.
- Muscle Building: Combined with a caloric surplus and strength training, the protein from soya bean powder supports muscle protein synthesis, contributing to weight gain in the form of lean body mass.
By following these steps, you can create your own soya beans powder to supplement your diet and support your weight gain goals.
