Today’s health conscious enthusiasts are fast becoming aware of the art of tofu. It is clear that tofu is one of nature’s foods. It is low in calories and fat and depending on the process used to make it, low in sodium as well. As a food, tofu absorbs the taste of whatever it is put into so that it can be used in a myriad of different recipes and dishes. The Chinese and Japanese have long been aware of the art of tofu as it has been a staple food for almost 2000 years since they said it was discovered by accident. Salt was mistakenly thrown in with boiled soybean mush and viola tofu or doufu as it is called in Chinese.

The art of making tofu is a specialized process. It involves allowing the soybeans to soak for 10 to 13 hours or so and then mashing and grinding them. Next, the fluid is pulled out of soybeans leaving the fiber called okara on nets. The leftover liquid is what is used for tofu and it is called soybean milk. The next step in creating tofu is to add an agent that causes the soybean milk to coagulate or curdle just as in making cheese. Different reactants are used but customarily it is nigari a chemical from the ocean, salt or calcium sodium. Lemon, vinegar or other acidic solutions have been used to create the finished product in the art of tofu as well.

After the soybean mush has curdled, it is placed in a box and water is extracted. Further refinement in the art of making tofu creates the texture of firmness of the final product. Tofu generally comes in three types. Firm tofu is the solid form usually sold in blocks or cubes. Soft tofu is creamier and is used in sauces, smoothies, soups and other blended dishes. While silken tofu is sometimes topped with scallions and eaten just as it is.

Fun with Tofu

The Japanese and the Chinese have long been connoisseurs of the fine art of tofu. They have derived many thousands of delicious recipes from the curdled miracle food. The Western world has discovered the health benefits of tofu and vegetarians swear by it. For some it is an acquired taste as the find it bland and paste like in flavor. Whatever your requirements you are sure to find many tofu products in the corner grocery store these days.

If you are adventurous, add cubes of tofu to your stew or soup. Brown some firm tofu cubes in olive oil and combine them in your salad. You could make a nutritious shake and add tofu to the blender. The art of tofu lends it self to enhancing your dining experience with a truly unique food that is healthy as well.