With the rise of Eastern and natural foods tofu has become an ingredient known. It is a source of vegetable protein that can be used instead of meat.
That is the tofu
It is a food of Eastern origin. The ingredients are tofu and soy milk coagulant. Tofu has no taste very prominent but it can absorb other flavors.
The tofu is white and comes in blocks, it looks cheesy.
Types of tofu
Several types of tofu. The tofu is consumed in several countries like Thailand, China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and others. Each region has a little tofu in different styles. The most familiar are:
1. Normal Tofu foams
This is most common in stores and can be firm or soft. Firm tofu basically has less water than soft, as its name implies, is firm and is easier to cut, it is also rich in nutrients because they are most concentrated.
2. Silken tofu
This type of tofu is soft and delicate. Its smooth consistency is why his name silk. Use it as normal but tofu is also used to add more protein shakes or people who do not drink milk.
3. Dry Tofu
This is tofu that has been dried and rehydrated needs. It has the advantage of lasting a long time and have an almost meaty texture when cooked.
Nutrients in tofu
Tofu is rich in vitamins and minerals and proteins. It is rich in protein which is considered a substitute for meat. It is also cheap and offers variety.
Benefits of Tofu
- One of the advantages of this food is that it contains cholesterol and helps to reduce it even better. This is because it contains lecithin, which also help in improving memory.
- Tofu is a natural food that has been consumed in the east for a long time. As derived from soybeans has advantages and disadvantages of this. If organic is more healthful.
- Tofu is easy to digest.
Disadvantages of tofu
- Coming from soy contains phyto-estrogens. These components are controversial, some people considered good for women after a certain age, others believe otherwise. The tofu in moderation is healthy as evidenced by the Asians.
- The taste of tofu is not exciting at first is to get used to it. But with appropriate recipes taste good.
Using tofu
- Tofu is very versatile and can replace meat sauteed with vegetables and similar recipes. In Japan they eat alone and in preparations. Many Asian food recipes that use tofu.
- Avoid fried tofu, there is no need for it and fry it becomes an unwanted food. When you ask in Asian restaurants sure to tell them not want it put fresh fried or steamed.
- If you put the tofu in the freezer to thaw texture is firmer and more similar to meat.
Tofu at home
It is better to buy the tofu, you can do at home but requires coagulants and although not very difficult nor easy.
Tags: Health, Tofu, variety
