Tofu is an important staple in a vegetarian and vegan diet. It provides lots of nutrients that are usually found in meat such as calcium, magnesium, and protein.
As tofu is already a very popular ingredient in meat-free and dairy-free diets, it can be added to lots of vegan recipes as a substitute for both meat and dairy.
As tofu is so popular, there is the question of how can you eat it? It can be added to most vegan recipes, but what if you are unfamiliar with how to use it?
Most people flavor their tofu with a marinade packed full of spices, but it is really up to you how you eat it. If you are unsure how you like your tofu to be flavored, there is the question of, can you eat raw tofu?
Here we have all of the information you need to know about tofu before you decide how you prefer to eat it!
What Is Tofu And How Is It Made?
Tofu is made from processed soybean curd that has been pressed. Firstly when making tofu, you need to begin by making soybean milk.
The soybeans are ground in water and heated in order to make the milk, where coagulants are added to make the milk into curds. This begins to form our tofu.
The curds will begin to separate, and once they have, they are pressed into blocks as we see on the shelves. The tofu is pressed into blocks so that we are able to cut the tofu however we want.
Is Tofu Safe To Eat Raw?
As the soybeans are cooked in order to make the tofu, blocks of tofu have been cooked before they are packaged. However, eating tofu straight from the packet won’t harm your body.
It is okay to eat raw tofu as long as you have maintained good hygiene in storing the tofu.
It is important to pay attention to how long the tofu has been opened as it mostly begins to rot after a couple of days.
Tofu also needs to be stored in the refrigerator, so as long as your tofu is fresh and refrigerated, there will be no harm in eating the tofu straight from the packet.
Raw tofu doesn’t have much flavor, which makes it perfect for a marinade, but some people enjoy the bland flavor of raw tofu.
Different Types Of Tofu
Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is the most common dairy substitute for vegans as silken tofu has a creamy taste and texture. It can be used in making sauces or soups as it is a great source of protein that substitutes cream.
Unlike tofu blocks, silken tofu can be kept at room temperature and is often used raw out of the packet. Just add to sauces or soup for a creamy texture.
Firm Block Tofu
Firm block tofu has tightly pressed curds so that it doesn’t fall apart when you use it. When you open the packet, drain the tofu and use it in your dishes straight away.
Firm tofu is popular for meat substitutes as you can freeze it to create a ‘meatier’ texture. You can either use the firm block tofu in cubes, strips or break it into pieces.
Extra-Firm Block Tofu
Extra-firm block tofu is perfect for glazing and stir-frying as it is difficult to break apart. The tofu will stay firm and won’t become mushy when it is being cooked in a wok.
You are also able to freeze this tofu, but if you want to use it raw, you can drain the tofu and add it straight into your pan.
Benefits Of Eating Tofu
Provides Important Nutrients
Eating tofu provides vegans and vegetarians with vitamins and minerals that would usually come from consuming meat and dairy products.
Tofu is low in calories so is an extremely healthy snack and addition to any meal. Eating tofu also helps to keep your bones, hair, and nails strong as it is a great source of calcium for vegans.
Meat And Dairy Substitute
One of the reasons that tofu is so popular in a vegan diet is because it can be used as a substitute for meat and dairy in a wide range of dishes.
As raw tofu doesn’t have much flavor, it can be easily marinaded in pretty much any flavor. Tofu can also be baked or fried to reach your desired texture for a meat substitute.
Tofu can also be blended to create a dairy substitute as well as using silken tofu to make sauces creamier and smoother.
Lower Blood Pressure And Cholesterol
As tofu is low in fat, it is able to help regularize blood pressure. Tofu contains bioactive peptides, which help to prevent damage to the blood vessels.
Bioactive peptides are anti-inflammatory, which means that tofu can reduce the risk of diabetes by lowering your blood pressure.
Eating soy products like tofu can help to lower your cholesterol as they are protein-rich. Most people get their protein from red meat,
but red meat has been shown to raise cholesterol. Eating tofu provides you with protein and helps to keep your body healthy.
Are There Any Dangers To Eating Raw Tofu?
As with any food, you must make sure that your tofu is fresh and edible. If your tofu is out of date or has gone off, you can’t consume it.
Tofu is the same as other perishable foods as you need to be sure to store it correctly and keep an eye on the use-by date. If you keep your tofu stored correctly, there is no reason why you can’t eat your tofu raw.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, eating raw tofu isn’t dangerous at all as long as you store your tofu correctly and make sure that it isn’t past the use-by date.
It is important to make sure that your tofu is edible before you consume it and that it hasn’t been opened for longer than a couple of days.
If you are vegan or vegetarian, tofu will definitely be a great asset to your diet. It is able to provide you with nutrients and vitamins that would usually come from meat and dairy, so you won’t be missing out on vital vitamins to look after your body and keep you healthy.
Tofu also acts as an authentic substitute for meat and dairy products so that you can keep enjoying your favorite meals with added protein and nutrients.
If you aren’t vegan or vegetarian, tofu can still benefit your body. It can help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and also to keep your bone, nails, and hair strong and healthy.
Tofu is a healthier option when it comes to meat and dairy products, especially if you are looking for a low-calorie substitute.
Overall, tofu has incredible health benefits to vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters. Eating raw tofu provides you with important vitamins and helps to keep your body strong and healthy.
Although some people think that eating raw foods is dangerous, it is okay to eat raw tofu. Make sure that you are aware of how to correctly store tofu and then you will be able to enjoy your tofu and live a healthier lifestyle.
