Is it safe to drink the "yellowish water" that comes with tofu?

When you buy packaged tofu, you'll always find a cloudy, yellowish liquid inside. Some people, believing this liquid contains preservatives or other additives, rinse the tofu before eating. But what exactly is this liquid inside packaged tofu? Do you really need to rinse it before eating?

 

The water contained in packaged tofu is drinking water. Because it's clean, drinking it poses no health risks. This filler is added for product protection purposes, preventing the tofu from breaking or being damaged during distribution or sales. Therefore, unless the manufacturer specifically states that "the tofu should be washed before consumption," packaged tofu does not require washing before consumption. The reason the water looks cloudy is because the nutrients, such as protein, in the tofu have been extracted.

However, according to the official Pulmuone blog, if you've left tofu in your car for two to three hours after purchasing it from the supermarket, or if some time has passed, it's recommended to rinse it before cooking. This is because the nutrients extracted from tofu, a high-protein food, can cause microorganisms to grow in the water. Furthermore, once opened, it's best to discard the refill water from the tofu package rather than reusing it in cooking. This is because microorganisms can quickly grow in the highly nutrient-rich refill water exposed to air.

 

If you need to store opened tofu for a long time, soak it in water and refrigerate. Sprinkling a spoonful of salt on it will help preserve its freshness for longer. However, it's recommended to change the water about once a day. Another method is to drain the water, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze it. When tofu is frozen, moisture is lost, but nutrients such as protein are concentrated, increasing the protein content per gram by about six times. When using frozen tofu in cooking, thaw it at room temperature or heat it in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes before cooking.

 

Meanwhile, tofu, made from soybeans, is a highly nutritious food. According to the National Standard Food Composition Table of the Rural Development Administration, tofu contains 9.62 grams of protein per 100 grams, helping to improve muscle strength and immunity. Indeed, protein is a key component of immune cells and a raw material for enzymes that regulate metabolic activity in the body.

 

The isoflavones in tofu are particularly effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms in women. Their chemical structure is similar to that of the female hormone estrogen, which means they have similar effects in the body. Tofu also contains a variety of nutrients, including zinc, magnesium, iron, and calcium. It's also low in calories, at 97kcal per 100g, making it an ideal diet food.

 

 

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The person in the tofu container

I just throw it away,

It's okay to eat it...

 

The yellow color is protein nutrients.