From about the first century AD to the Age of Discovery ( 15 -- 16th centuries ) , soybeans were introduced into across South and Southeast Asia .
Soy bean was unknown in South China before the Han period .
From about the first century AD to the Age of Discovery ( 15 -- 16th centuries ) , soybeans were introduced into across South China and Southeast Asia .
Soy bean was unknown in South China before the Han period .