Tofu is a popular dish loved by many people. However, when buying tofu, if you notice these characteristics, don’t buy it or you’ll get sick.
Sticky and slimy tofu
Fresh tofu usually has a certain elasticity and naturally doesn’t stick to your hands. Fresh tofu pieces often look very juicy, feel a bit bouncy and tender when touched.
However, if you see tofu pieces that feel sticky or even slimy when touched, absolutely do not buy them. These tofu pieces are not safe to eat because they have been left for a long time and improperly stored, which can be harmful to your health.
Tofu is made from soybeans and contains nutritious plant-based protein, which is beneficial for bacterial growth. When exposed to suitable external conditions (temperature, humidity), bacteria will quickly grow, causing soybean products to spoil and become sticky. That’s why you should not buy these tofu pieces, and the seller should not eat them either.
Tofu with a sour smell
The main ingredient of tofu is soybeans, which usually only have a slightly oily smell. However, due to its short shelf life, tofu can easily become contaminated with bacteria, molds, and spoil. After tofu goes bad, we can clearly smell a sour odor. If you encounter tofu with such a smell, do not buy it, quickly choose another piece or go to a different store to find one.
Overly white tofu
Many people believe that the whiter the tofu, the better it is. However, in reality, whiter tofu is not tastier. Tofu is made from soybeans and water, without any other ingredients added, so its surface is generally pale yellow, not very white.
To make tofu appear bright white, almost all chemical additives are used to make it look so white. If we accidentally buy this type of tofu, chemicals such as formaldehyde can invade our bodies and cause unforeseen harm.
Tofu storage methods
Tofu should not be left for long, so if you buy a lot and don’t finish it all, follow the methods below to avoid waste:
– Soak in water and store in the refrigerator
Place the tofu in a bowl of water and cover it tightly. Put this bowl in the refrigerator’s cool compartment. Change the water once a day to maintain the freshness and moisture of the tofu. This way, you can store tofu for up to 1 week.
– Freeze tofu
Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, then place them on a wax paper, put the tofu in the freezer to freeze. After that, transfer it to a sealed container and continue to store it. When cooking, simply take out the tofu, thaw it, and squeeze out the water before processing. Frozen tofu has a firmer and more spongy texture, so many chefs prefer to use it. With this method, you can store tofu for up to 3 months.
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