Tofu was discovered about 2000 years ago by a Chinese cook who accidentally curdled soy milk when he added nigari sea-weed. Like cheese there is more than variation available of tofu- silken tofu, extra soft, firm, medium and extra firm too. Also owing to its neutral taste, it lends itself to an infinite number of food items. It can be pickled, fermented, stir fried or even used in miso soup. It travelled to west later and was incorporated into the occidental style of food. One of the founding fathers of the US, Benjamin Franklin, was the first American to mention tofu in a letter dated January 11, 1770.
1. Superfood
Tofu contains all eight essential amino acids and lots of protein. Also an excellent source of iron and calcium and minerals-manganese, selenium and phosphorus, as soy belongs to the legume family.
2. Cancer fighter
The soy protein in tofu is beneficial for heart health, menopause and also fights breast cancer.
3. Like a sponge
Tofu is packed with water, and then it is packed in water. We need to squeeze out that water and replace with flavour. Not pressing the water out of tofu is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Open package and drain water whenever you get one.
4. Japanese staple
In Japan the regular lunch in the summer is ‘Hiyayakko’-silken or firm Asian tofu served with freshly grated ginger, green onions with soy sauce. In winter, tofu is frequently eaten as ‘Yudofu’, which is simmered in a clay pot with some veggies.
5. Urban legend
In china, offering tofu to the deceased graves is an age old ritual. It is believed that since spirits have long lost their teeth and jaws, only tofu is soft enough for them to eat.
6. Wine pairing
Not much is known about the art of pairing tofu with wine, probably because of its myriad uses.
When soft and silky it pairs well with light white wines, while the firmer ones cooked with spicy condiments call for more robust whites or reds.
7. Serve as dessert
Silken tofu is creamy as custard. It’s used to make delicious desserts- from chocolate pudding, pumpkin pie to cheesecake.
You can easily buy Tofu online if it is not available at stores near you.