Buying and Storing Tofu
Tofu, also known as soybean curd, is a soft, cheese-like food made by curdling fresh hot soy milk with a coagulant that helps it set up. Traditionally, the curdling agent used to make tofu is nigari, a compound found in natural ocean water, or calcium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral. Curds also can be produced by acidic foods like lemon juice or vinegar. The curds then are generally pressed into a solid block.
Tofu was first used in China around 200 B.C. Although the discovery of the process for making tofu is lost to the ages, Chinese legend has it that the first batch of tofu was created by accident. A Chinese cook added nigari to flavor a batch of pureed, cooked soybeans; the nigari produced the curd that we know today as tofu.
Buying & Storing Tofu
Tofu is most commonly is sold in water-filled tubs, vacuum packs, or in aseptic packages, the latter of which you’ll find on the shelf in the grocery store – not in the refrigerated section. This type of tofu is called Silken, and the most well-known brand is Mori-Nu. Even though silken comes in soft, firm, and extra firm, it is NOT the kind of tofu you use for sauteing or grilling. Silken tofu is very custard-like and used to make silky, creamy pie fillings, puddings, and mousse.
Tofu is usually found in the produce section of the grocery store, although some stores sell tofu in the dairy or deli sections. Unless it is aseptically packaged, tofu should be kept refrigerated and stored in water. As with any perishable food, check the expiration date on the package. Once the tofu package is open, leftover tofu should be rinsed and covered with fresh water for storage. Change the water daily to keep it fresh, and use the tofu within a week.
Tofu can be frozen up to 5 months. When ready to eat it or use it in your favorite dish, thaw it on the counter for a few hours, squeeze out the water that will come out as if from a sponge, and crumble into pasta sauce or chili, or saute it. Because you’ve squeezed out all the water, the tofu is not only chewier, it also readily takes up another liquid marinade.
Tips For Using Tofu
Try some of these ideas for introducing tofu to your family.
*Create your own tofu burgers with mashed tofu, bread crumbs, chopped onion and your favorite seasonings.
*Marinate tofu in barbecue sauce, char it on the grill and serve on crusty Italian bread with BBQ sauce and lettuce.
*Add a package of taco seasoning to pan-fried, crumbled tofu, and serve on taco shells.
*Blend dried onion soup mix into soft or firm tofu for an onion dip.
*Blend tofu with melted chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a little sweetener to make a chocolate cream pie filling.
*Make eggless egg salad with crumbled firm tofu, diced celery and carrots, eggless mayonnaise and a dab of prepared mustard.
*Substitute pureed silken tofu for part of the mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese or ricotta cheese in a recipe. Use it in dips and creamy salad dressings.
Listen to Colleen’s podcast episode on tofu, or check out her books for delicious tofu-based recipes.
