The USDA has approved Pioneer’s Plenish high-oleic soybeans for planting in the U.S., according to an announcement by Pioneer’s parent company DuPont. The new Plenish soybeans will be used in the growing market for high-oleic-acid soy oils, which are more stable at high cooking temperatures. The oils also are healthier than commodity soybean oil: they contain no trans fats and 20% less saturated fat than the commodity versions.

“We continue to see solid results and strong interest from food companies looking for a soybean oil with consumer benefits and functionality,” said Craig Binetti, president DuPont Nutrition & Health.

Pioneer will sell the high-oleic soybean trait in the Y Series soybean varieties. This year and in 2011, the Plenish varieties will be grown under contract for more testing. The company expects to fully launch the varieties for commercialization by 2012, pending global approvals and field tests.