Tofu

Tofu is a white, block-shaped food made from soybeans. It was invented in China more than 2,000 years ago. Tofu is soft and does not have much taste by itself. Cooks add sauces and spices to make it taste delicious.

How Tofu Is Made

To make tofu, people first soak soybeans in water. Then they blend the beans to make soy milk. A special ingredient is added to make the milk turn into soft lumps. The lumps are pressed into blocks to make tofu. It is a lot like how cheese is made from cow's milk.

Eating Tofu

Tofu comes in different textures, from soft to firm. It can be fried, baked, grilled, or added to soup. In Japan, tofu is often served in miso soup. In China, spicy tofu is a favorite dish. Many people who do not eat meat enjoy tofu because it has lots of protein.

Fun Facts

• Tofu was invented by accident in China a very long time ago.
• The word tofu comes from the Japanese word for bean curd.
• Tofu takes on the flavor of whatever it is cooked with.

Did You Know?

Tofu can be frozen and then thawed to make it chewier, almost like meat.