5 Ways to Clean Formaldehyde from Tofu, Effective and Easy to Do in Less Than 1 Hour

foto: shutterstock.com

Some irresponsible traders intentionally add formalin to tofu. The goal is to extend the shelf life of tofu.

Brilio.net - Tofu is one of the food ingredients that is never absent from the dining table of Indonesian people. This soy-based food is a favorite because it is affordable, rich in protein, and very easy to process into various delicious dishes. Starting from fried tofu, stuffed tofu, braised tofu , round tofu, tofu gejrot, all become tongue-shaking dishes.

But behind its deliciousness and benefits, there are serious challenges that need to be considered. Some irresponsible traders deliberately add formalin to tofu. The goal is to extend the shelf life of tofu for days and make its texture more chewy. In fact, formalin is a dangerous chemical that is commonly used to preserve corpses or laboratory specimens.

Recognizing tofu with formalin is actually not that difficult. Tofu containing formalin has special characteristics such as a very chewy texture and is not easily destroyed even when pressed hard, a clean white color and is not easily damaged even when stored at room temperature for several days, and an unusual pungent aroma. This is different from normal tofu which has a softer texture, is easily destroyed, and only lasts 1-2 days at room temperature.

If you accidentally buy tofu suspected of containing formalin, don't worry. There are several ways to clean formalin from tofu that can be done at home. Here are 5 effective methods to reduce formalin levels in tofu, summarized by BrilioFood , Tuesday (12/31).

photo: Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch

The first way to clean formalin from tofu is with hot water. This method requires water heated to a temperature of 50-60 degrees Celsius.

Materials needed:
- Hot water
- Heat resistant container
- Tofu suspected of containing formalin

Steps:
1. Prepare hot water in a container
2. Put the tofu in hot water
3. Soak for 15-20 minutes
4. Change the water and repeat the process 2-3 times.

This process takes a total of about 45-60 minutes. Soaking in hot water effectively breaks down the chemical bonds of formalin with tofu protein, so that the formalin content can be released and dissolved in water.

The second method for cleaning formalin from tofu is to use a salt water solution.

Materials needed:
- Clean water
- Table salt (2-3 tablespoons per liter of water)
- Soaking container

Steps:
1. Dissolve salt in water
2. Put the tofu in the salt solution
3. Soak for 30 minutes
4. Rinse with clean water

This process takes about 35-40 minutes. Salt has the property of attracting water molecules and can help remove formalin from the tofu through the process of osmosis.

The next way to clean formalin from tofu is to utilize the properties of bay leaves.

Materials needed:
- 5-7 bay leaves
- Enough water
- A pot for boiling
- Soaking container

Steps:
1. Boil the bay leaves until the water changes color
2. Wait for the boiled water to warm
3. Soak the tofu in the boiled bay leaf water
4. Let stand for 20-30 minutes
5. Rinse with clean water

The total time required is around 45-50 minutes. The active compounds in bay leaves can help neutralize formalin and provide a natural aroma to tofu.

Turmeric is not only beneficial for health, but is also effective in cleaning formalin from tofu.

Materials needed:
- 3-4 pieces of turmeric
- Clean water
- Soaking container

Steps:
1. Grate the turmeric and squeeze out the juice.
2. Mix turmeric water with clean water
3. Soak the tofu in turmeric water solution
4. Let stand for 30 minutes
5. Wash thoroughly with running water

This process takes about 40-45 minutes. Curcumin in turmeric has the ability to bind formalin compounds and help remove them from tofu.

The final method for cleaning formaldehyde from tofu is to use a combination of warm water and vinegar.

Materials needed:
- Warm water
- Kitchen vinegar (1-2 tablespoons per liter of water)
- Heat resistant container

Steps:
1. Mix vinegar with warm water
2. Put the tofu into the solution
3. Soak for 15-20 minutes
4. Rinse with clean water several times

The time required is around 25-30 minutes. The combination of warm temperature and the acidic nature of vinegar works synergistically in breaking down the formalin bond with tofu protein.

Although there are ways to clean formalin from tofu, prevention is still better than cure. Some tips to avoid formalin tofu:
- Choose tofu from trusted sellers
- Pay attention to the physical characteristics of tofu before buying.
- Prioritize buying fresh tofu that has just been produced.
- Store the tofu in water and process immediately.
- If possible, buy directly from the tofu producer.

By implementing the right way to clean formalin from tofu and prioritizing prevention, food safety can be more assured. Remember that health is a valuable investment that needs to be maintained through the consumption of safe and quality food.

(brl/tin)