What is Tofu?

WHAT IS TOFU?

For anyone who does not know the correct pronunciation of tofu, it is pronounced TOE
foo. Really gets your taste buds goin’, doesn’t it? Sorry, the other descriptions sound
equally as bad. I mean you could call it bean curd if you want, but see what I mean?
Tofu by any other name, would still be one of the most versatile, not to mention
nutritious and healthful foods there is. If I may paraphrase one more time, “Well, Forrest,
ya got ‘cha deep-fried tofu, and ya got ‘cha sautéed tofu, broiled tofu, baked tofu,
marinated teriyaki tofu, tofu in short pants . . .” Tofu is really cool.

Do you realize how good tofu is for you?
I am asked so many questions about tofu, and how
it’s made. Well, let’s see … Little Miss Muffit sat
on a tuffit, eating her curds and whey, when along
came a …

No, I have not completely lost my mind yet, I think.
Curds and Whey? That’s what tofu is! After all
these years you finally discover that stuff Miss
Muffit was politely eating while sitting on her tuffit,
was T O F U! Okay, well it could have also been
cheese, since they are processed virtually the same
way.

Tofu is made from soybeans. You cook the beans,
and the beans render “milk” to which you add a
solidifier like nigari, (magnesium-chloride) which is
extracted from deep sea water or *calcium sulfate.
The solidifier forms curds (the little tofu cakes you
buy in the store) and the liquid beneath the forming
curds is called whey. This is much like the process of making cheese from milk. 

Then you have to press it, and strain it, and it is better to just purchase it from the market,
because otherwise, it’s a lot of work. And who needs more work!?
I need to point out that firm tofu contains the following per serving, which is
approximately four ounces, or 1/5 slice of the block:
80 calories 4 grams fat 7 grams protein 2 grams carbohydrates
*Calcium sulfate is an excellent source of non-dairy calcium.
Saturated fat is approximately 0.5 %. Unsaturated fat content is a little over 3%. Extra
firm tofu contains the most calories and fat. Less firm=more water content=less fat and
calories! 

As you can see, over 3/4 of the fat content is unsaturated fat which is actually
good for you. Plus, low-fat tofu is now becoming more readily available. And always be
sure you are buying non-GMO (non genetically modified) organic tofu. It will be
properly displayed on the packaging.

*TVP ON THE OTHER HAND, (textured vegetable protein), is defatted, dehydrated soy
flour which contains virtually zero fat. This is due to a process performed to extract the
vegetable oil from the flour. It also provides excellent fiber and protein, and contains
vitamins A, B6, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and amino acids, as in tofu. TVP
contains approximately 82 calories per half cup serving, cooked. Hard to beat, isn’t it? But the best news of all is that soy products are cholesterol free, can
help lower your cholesterol and help to fight off some forms of cancer.

BULGUR WHEAT contains per 1/2 cup cooked serving 75 calories and relatively no
saturated fat. It also contains protein, fiber, potassium, calcium, and amino acids.
COUSCOUS is made from semolina wheat and contains 107 calories per 1/2 cup
cooked serving and contains relatively no fat. It also contains potassium and calcium.

**NUTRITIONAL YEAST FLAKES is a food yeast grown from molasses. (Not to
be confused with Brewer’s Yeast)- contains approximately 60 calories per 2 heaping
tablespoons. Nutritional Yeast Flakes contain all the essential amino acids, and the
following is just the tip of the iceberg per serving: approximately 8 grams of protein, 7
grams of carbohydrates, is rich with vitamins: B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, and has about
7 fat calories. Talk about a super-food!

TVP, Couscous, and Bulgur almost double in volume when cooked or rehydrated, so
keep in mind if you want one cup of prepared TVP you
will only need to measure out 1/2 cup dry mixture, as with Bulgur and CousCous.
*Can usually be found in the natural foods section of upscale grocery stores. It can
always be found at health food stores.
** In general, this can only be found at a health food or whole foods store.

WHERE CAN I BUY TOFU?
You can find tofu in the produce section at just about grocery store these days. It’s not
just limited to your specialty shops anymore, although a larger variety can be found there.
Its texture ranges from silken, silken soft, and silken firm with a custard-like consistency
due to higher water content. This type is best for making dips, desserts, and sauces. You
can also purchase it in soft, firm, and extra firm. I seem to prefer the firm as opposed to
the silken for the majority of my recipes. The packages are always clearly marked as to
the texture of the tofu.
Most major supermarket chains now have tofu. If yours doesn’t, then have the manager
order it. That’s always fun. Have you ever tried to explain tofu to someone who hasn’t a
clue, or doesn’t understand what in the WORLD you are talking about?
Good luck!

A WORD ABOUT SOY MILK
Many people are trying to cut back on dairy products, and I, for one, should follow their
lead. I eat way too much cheese, but I love it. I do, however, drink a lot of soymilk. It’s
great on cereal, for making smoothies, or just for a nice afternoon snack with peanut
butter crackers. But as far as baking, it just won’t do! I have ruined more recipes cooking
with soymilk, rather than whole milk. I have even tried a half milk-half soymilk
combination, but have not yet found a suitable substitute. If you know of one, please let
me know.

HOW DO I STORE TOFU?
Fresh tofu is usually packaged in water in a plastic tub/container. You can store it in the
refrigerator in its original packaging until you’re ready to use it. Be sure to notice the
expiration date on the package. Once you remove the tofu from its original packaging to
prepare it, you will need to store any unused tofu in a container, filling it with fresh tap
water and changing the water on a daily basis.

If you want to purchase a bunch of tofu at once, you can freeze it. First remove it from
the packaging, discard the water and completely drain tofu on paper towels or a wire
rack. Place the tofu in a freezer proof plastic bag or container. You can even slice it, or
cube it before freezing. You can also freeze it after you have cooked it. Be sure to allow
the tofu to completely thaw, and drain on paper towels before frying it. If you are
preparing a casserole, it’s okay to add the unthawed tofu, because no preparation will be
necessary, as it will thaw upon cooking.

Another thing I want to point out to you, is that the texture of tofu will change after it has
been frozen. It will become a little “spongy” and tougher, which makes it great for
soaking up marinades. It also makes for a better barbecued “burger,” because it has
become much firmer. Once frozen, tofu also changes to a golden/ amber color, so don’t
freak out, this is normal.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS
The following is a list of some of the many nutritional benefits you will receive from
tofu:
– A great source of non-dairy calcium
– Lactose Free, dairy free and cholesterol free
– Contains vitamins A, E, B6, iron, potassium, protein and amino acids
– Proven to lower cholesterol due to Linoleic Acid
– Helps prevent heart disease
-*Contains phytoestrogens, which help deter breast cancer, prostate cancer and
other types of cancer as well.

– It’s even said that phytoestrogens may help to alleviate hot flashes in women
somewhat, but since this is an extremely weak form of estrogen, it should not be used to
replace any estrogen therapy you currently use. If that were true to the extent of needing
nothing other than soy to alleviate this problem, then I should think the whole
menopausal population would be consuming soy. **

Did you know that in Japan, Japanese men smoke twice as many cigarettes as Americans,
yet their lung cancer rate is HALF that as in the USA? This is said to be attributed to the
fact that Japanese men consume TWICE the amount of tofu in comparison to Americans!
* Source of reference pertaining to phytoestrogens and cholesterol obtained from
The American Institute for Cancer Research Newsletter, fall 1995- Issue 49

A WORD ABOUT ORGANIC LABELING
To GMO or not to GMO- that is the question . . .
The term “Organic” is sometimes misunderstood. Basically because everything we eat is
organic. But if you would like to know what it means in regard to food labeling, and
whether food is genetically altered or non genetically altered, (gmo-vs-non gmo) which is
a growing concern among many people, there are few websites dedicated to enlighten us
all. The following is a link, which will take you to FDA guidelines and regulations
regarding bioengineering of foods and labeling thereof:
https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInfo
rmation/LabelingNutrition/ucm059098.htm

If you don’t have a computer, you can use the one at your local library, or you can get the
information by writing to:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857-0001
1-888-463-6332

Not known for being single-minded, here is another view on this subject:
https://www.organicconsumers.org/press/organic-consumers-association-respondsfda-
push-voluntary-gmo-labeling-and-safety-claims
Organic Consumers Association
6771 South Silver Hill Drive, Finland MN 55603
218-226-4164 · Fax: 218-353-7652
** Strictly based on my own opinion.