Buying Tofu
Depending on the market that you go to, tofu will be sold in packages or unpackaged in a communal container. Here are some tips on which tofu you should purchase to get the freshest one.
- When buying tofu check the freshness label and make sure you use the tofu before the recommended use-by date.
- When buying prepackaged tofu check that the package has no punctures or openings. Packaged tofu can be sold refrigerated or stored in a special packaging that does not require refrigeration until opening.
- When you buy packaged tofu, shake the package if the water inside is overly muggy and not clear then avoid that tofu.
- When buying fresh tofu that is not packaged, check the surface of the tofu. The fresh tofu should be smooth and not damaged (the tofu should not be broken up etc.)
- Fresh unpackaged tofu should be stored in cold and clear water. There should not be any debris or excess bubbles in the water that it is sold and stored in.
Tofu Freshness
Let’s now discuss how to determine if the tofu that you have in your fridge is still safe to eat.
First, there is a general freshness time frame for tofu.
- Check and follow the recommended freshness label on the package.
- Opened, fresh, or defrosted tofu should be used within 3-5 days.
- Frozen tofu can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Visual Inspection:
- If the surface of your tofu is changing color then that is a sign that the tofu is getting old.
- If the package of tofu is super bloated, then do not eat the tofu.
Physical Inspection:
- You want to discard any tofu that has a bad odor.
- When you touch the tofu, if it has a slimy texture then it is better to throw it away.
Tofu Storage
Tofu can be stored in both the fridge or freezer. Let’s go over some tips for each storage method.
Freezing Tofu:
You can store firm varieties of tofu in the freezer. Storing silken or soft tofu in the freezer is not recommended because of its high water content. If silken or soft tofu is frozen, it will completely break apart and crumble into a weird texture once defrosted and will be hard to use.
When you store firm tofu in the freezer the texture will change into a more spongey texture. Keep in mind that your tofu will change color once frozen, it will change from white to a light yellow. This is normal and does not mean the tofu went bad. Frozen tofu actually has more protein than fresh tofu because the water is evaporated, and the protein concentration is increased.
Because of the texture change, frozen tofu can be a great option for various recipes. It can be used in dumpling filling or sauteed with other ingredients to give a meaty texture. Frozen tofu after being thawed absorbs sauce and flavors more easily.
Refrigerated Tofu:
If you want to store opened packaged medium, firm, or extra firm tofu, the best way is to place it into an airtight container with fresh cold water. The water that the tofu is stored in should be changed daily until the tofu is used.
Silken or soft tofu on the other hand should be stored differently in the fridge. You do not need to add more water to these two varieties of tofu. Instead, drain the water from the silken or soft tofu package and place the tofu into an airtight container.
If you go to the market and find tofu that was stored in a communal bin, then the best way to store that kind of tofu in the fridge is to place it into an airtight container and cover the tofu in cold fresh salted water. Just like when storing opened packaged tofu, change out the water every day until the tofu is used.
Leave a Reply