Soybean vs. Cowpea — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
Soybeans are globally popular legumes rich in protein and oil, used in various products like tofu and soy milk, whereas cowpeas, also known as black-eyed peas, are staple foods in Africa, high in protein and fiber, used primarily in traditional dishes.
Difference Between Soybean and Cowpea
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Soybeans are used in a wide range of products, from food items like tofu and soy milk to industrial products like biodiesel and plastics, thanks to their significant oil content. On the other hand, cowpeas are mostly consumed as food, either whole in dishes like salads and stews or processed into flours and pastes, highlighting their versatility in traditional cooking.
The cultivation of soybeans typically requires moderate climates and can be resource-intensive, often involving large-scale farming techniques and significant use of fertilizers and pesticides. Whereas cowpeas thrive in poor soil conditions with low rainfall, making them a sustainable option for subsistence farmers in arid regions.
Economically, soybeans are a commodity crop with a significant impact on global markets, influencing everything from the price of food products to biofuels. Cowpeas, however, are usually grown on a smaller scale and are critical for local food security but do not significantly impact global markets.
Environmental impacts also differ; soybean cultivation is often linked to deforestation and habitat destruction, particularly in regions like the Amazon. Cowpeas, with their low water and fertilizer requirements, are considered more environmentally sustainable and are often used in crop rotation to improve soil health.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Human food, animal feed, industrial
Human food, local trade
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Nutritional Content
High protein, high oil
High protein, high fiber
Growing Conditions
Moderate climates, resource-intensive
Poor soils, low water requirement
Economic Impact
Major global commodity
Important for local economies
Environmental Impact
Linked to deforestation
Sustainable, improves soil health
Compare with Definitions
Soybean
Integral to vegetarian and vegan diets.
Soybeans provide a critical protein source in many meatless diets.
Cowpea
Grown in arid regions due to its drought tolerance.
Cowpeas are a popular choice for farmers in drought-prone areas.
Soybean
Used to produce oil and protein-rich products like tofu.
Soybeans are crushed to extract oil, leaving behind meal used for animal feed and tofu production.
Cowpea
A legume also known as black-eyed pea, cultivated for its edible seeds.
Cowpeas are essential for nutrition in many African households.
Soybean
A legume native to East Asia, widely cultivated for its edible beans.
The farmer planted a new crop of soybeans to meet the demand for soy products.
Cowpea
Often used in traditional dishes like Hoppin' John in the Southern United States.
New Year's meals often feature cowpeas for good luck.
Soybean
A crop involved in biodiesel production.
Soybean oil is increasingly used to manufacture biodiesel.
Cowpea
A source of protein and fiber in diets.
Including cowpeas in meals enhances protein and fiber intake.
Soybean
Subject to genetic modification for agricultural benefits.
Most soybeans grown today are genetically modified for better yield and pest resistance.
Cowpea
The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual herbaceous legume from the genus Vigna. Due to its tolerance for sandy soil and low rainfall, it is an important crop in the semiarid regions across Africa and Asia.
Soybean
A seed of this plant.
Cowpea
An annual African plant (Vigna unguiculata) in the pea family, widely cultivated in warm regions for food, forage, and soil improvement.
Soybean
The soybean, soy bean, or soya bean (Glycine max) is a species of legume native to East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean, which has numerous uses. Traditional unfermented food uses of soybeans include soy milk, from which tofu and tofu skin are made.
Cowpea
An edible seed of this plant. In both senses also called black-eyed pea.
Soybean
An annual leguminous plant (Glycine max) native to East Asia, widely cultivated for its seeds, which are used for food, as a source of oil, and as animal feed.
Cowpea
Any of the plants in the species Vigna unguiculata, including the black-eyed pea.
Soybean
A legume plant (Glycine max), commonly cultivated for human and animal consumption and as a nitrogen-fixing ground cover.
Cowpea
The seed of one or more leguminous plants of the genus Dolichos; also, the plant itself. Many varieties are cultivated in the southern part of the United States.
Soybean
The edible seed of this plant.
Cowpea
A leguminous plant (Vigna Sinensis, syn. Vigna Catjang) found throughout the tropics of the Old World. It is extensively cultivated in the Southern United States for fodder, and the seed is used as food for man.
Soybean
An Asiatic leguminous herb (Glycine max, formerly Glycine Soja) the seeds of which (also called soy beans) are used in preparing the sauce called soy. Called also soya bean and soya.
Cowpea
Fruit or seed of the cowpea plant
Soybean
The seeds of the Glycine max, which produce soybean oil; - called also soya bean.
Cowpea
Sprawling Old World annual cultivated especially in southern United States for food and forage and green manure
Soybean
A source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
Cowpea
Eaten fresh as shell beans or dried
Soybean
Erect bushy hairy annual herb having trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers; extensively cultivated for food and forage and soil improvement but especially for its nutritious oil-rich seeds; native to Asia
Soybean
Most highly proteinaceous vegetable crop known
Common Curiosities
How do cowpeas benefit the soil?
Cowpeas improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, which enhances soil fertility and benefits subsequent crops in crop rotation systems.
Are soybeans genetically modified?
Many soybeans grown commercially are genetically modified to enhance yield, pest resistance, and herbicide tolerance.
What are the main health benefits of soybeans?
Soybeans are rich in protein and contain heart-healthy fats, making them beneficial for cardiovascular health and muscle building.
Can cowpeas be used as animal feed?
Yes, cowpeas can be used as animal feed, particularly the leaves and vines, which are nutritious for livestock.
What climates are best for growing soybeans?
Soybeans grow best in moderate climates with a warm growing season and plenty of water.
What is the global significance of soybeans in trade?
Soybeans are a major global commodity used in international trade, impacting economies and agricultural policies worldwide.
What is the environmental impact of soybean farming?
Soybean farming can have a significant environmental impact, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pesticide runoff.
What industrial products are made from soybeans?
Besides food products, soybeans are used to make biodiesel, plastics, and various other industrial and cosmetic products.
What dishes commonly include cowpeas?
Cowpeas are often found in dishes like salads, stews, and traditional African and Southern U.S. dishes such as Hoppin' John.
How do cowpeas adapt to harsh growing conditions?
Cowpeas are drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making them ideal for challenging environments.
Can soybeans be grown organically?
Yes, soybeans can be grown organically, although it requires management practices that avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
What are the economic benefits of growing cowpeas for local farmers?
Cowpeas can be economically beneficial for local farmers as they require less investment in terms of fertilizers and water and can improve soil fertility for future crops.
How do soybeans and cowpeas differ in their culinary uses?
Soybeans are versatile in culinary uses, found in products like tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce, while cowpeas are primarily used whole in traditional dishes or processed into flours and pastes.
How do cowpeas contribute to food security?
Cowpeas are a crucial crop for food security in many developing regions due to their nutritional value and adaptability to harsh climates.
What are the differences in protein content between soybeans and cowpeas?
Soybeans generally have a higher protein content compared to cowpeas, making them a key source of plant-based protein.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
