Brilio.net - Tofu is known as a food ingredient that is easy to obtain at an affordable price. How could it not be, there are lots of tofu producers in Indonesia. This makes tofu often consumed and chosen as a practical meal menu.
Apart from being easy to obtain, tofu also has high nutritional content. Reporting from heart.org, according to the US Department of Agriculture, 1/2 cup of firm tofu offers 21.8 grams of protein with 181 calories and 11 grams of fat. Most of this fat comes from healthy polyunsaturated fats. In addition, the high protein content makes tofu a good alternative to replace animal protein from meat.
These nutritional contents make many people choose tofu as their daily diet. Because it is consumed so often, it is not uncommon for people to store large amounts of tofu as stock. That way, tofu can be cooked straight away at any time.
But you know what? Actually, tofu is a food ingredient that spoils easily. In just 2-3 days, stored tofu can turn sour or even slimy. This condition of tofu certainly makes it no longer suitable for consumption.
So to extend the shelf life, some people usually boil the tofu first, then store it. Or some people soak it in water to keep it fresh. After investigating, this can make the tofu less smelly and slimy.
But apart from this method, there are other ways you can store tofu. This method was shared by TikTok user @sekarnurhayati. Through one of the uploaded videos, he admitted that he stores tofu in dry conditions, but this food ingredient can stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Reported by BrilioFood on Friday (8/3), the method used is to steam the tofu. But before steaming, make sure the tofu you want to store is still in good condition and fresh. Avoid buying tofu that tastes sour or has a crumbly texture. Usually tofu like that tends not to be stored for a long time.
How to store tofu without boiling and soaking
TikTok/@sekarnurhayati
Next, wash the tofu you just bought. Only then put it in a steamer pan filled with water. Arrange the tofu in the pan in rows so that all parts are exposed to the water vapor. After that, cover the pan and steam for just 15 minutes.
How to store tofu without boiling and soaking
TikTok/@sekarnurhayati
So, steamed tofu can be immediately transferred into a storage container. But don't close the container straight away, okay? Leave the tofu open or air it out so it cools. When it is cold, then close the container tightly and store the tofu in the chiller section of the refrigerator.
How to store tofu without boiling and soaking
TikTok/@sekarnurhayati
This way of storing tofu can keep it fresh for up to 1 week. No need to worry, this tofu will not easily sour or become slimy because it has been steamed beforehand. Then, because it's not soaked in water, you don't need to bother changing the soaking water and can just leave it in the refrigerator.
How to choose good and quality tofu.
Good and quality tofu can influence its shelf life to be longer. So, to choose good and quality tofu, you can pay attention to the following things:
1. Pay attention to the external appearance.
Choose tofu that looks fresh, is not slimy, and does not have brown or black spots on the surface.
2. Touch.
Touch the tofu to make sure the texture is firm and not too mushy. Quality tofu usually feels dense and chewy.
3. Color.
Choose tofu that has a bright white or yellowish color. Avoid tofu that is too pale or too yellow because it could be a sign that the tofu is not fresh.
4. Aroma.
Good tofu has a fresh and soft aroma. Avoid tofu that has an unpleasant or sour aroma.
5. Packaging.
Choose tofu that is packaged in tight and clean packaging. Make sure there are no leaks or damage to the packaging.
6. Expiry date.
Check the expiration date on the tofu packaging and choose one that is within the safe expiration date.
7. Manufacturer.
Choose tofu from a trusted manufacturer or brand that is known for the quality of its products.
8. Manufacturing materials.
Pay attention to the ingredients used to make tofu. Good tofu is usually made from high quality soybeans.
9. Price.
Although price is not the only indicator of quality, quality tofu usually has a higher price than ordinary tofu.