A new soybean variety from Australia's is gaining popularity in Japan due to its enhanced suitability as an ingredient in traditional Japanese dishes.

The variety was developed by Australia's Commonwealth Science And Industry Organization (CSIRO), which handles research responsibilities in agriculture.

Bred from an old Japanese variety, the Bunya soybean produces a suite of proteins that gel quickly and firmly – important characteristics for making a range of soy-based foods like tofu and custard.

"Thanks to its great flavour and gelling properties the Bunya soybean is highly sought after in Japan where soy-based foods are hugely popular," says CSIRO Plant Industry scientist, Andrew James.

"Bunya is particularly popular because it can be used to make edamame (a preparation of baby soybeans in the pod) and some types of miso (a traditional Japanese seasoning), as well as being great for making tofu."

Bunya has become the preferred Australian soybean variety sold in Japan – and the preferred variety used by Australian tofu manufacturers – because it has a traditional Asian flavour and its large seeds produce higher yields of soy milk and custard.

Farmers that grow the Bunya soybean can also see benefits, such as its increased yields of better quality beans when grown in favourable conditions.

"Bunya plants are small which means they can be planted more densely than other soybean varieties," Dr Andrews says.

"This, combined with the very large seeds they produce, increases Bunya yields compared to other soybeans."

Bunya also has a trait from tropical soybean varieties which enables it to extend its juvenile phase making it more suited to a wider range of growing environments than other soybean varieties.

Bunya was selected and released via the National Soybean Breeding Program funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.