When buying packaged tofu, you can always see an opaque, yellowish water along with it. Some people think that this water contains preservatives or preservatives, so they wash the tofu with water before eating. What exactly is the water inside packaged tofu? Should you really wash it before eating?

 

The water inside the packaged tofu is drinking water. Since it is clean water, it poses no problem for human consumption. The filling water used for product protection prevents the tofu from breaking or being damaged during distribution or sale. Therefore, unless the manufacturer explicitly states that the tofu should be washed before eating, there is no need to wash it. The water appears yellowish because nutrients such as proteins inside the tofu have leached out.

However, according to Pulmuone's official blog, if you purchase tofu from a supermarket and leave it in the car for 2-3 hours or more, it is recommended to wash the tofu once before cooking. This is because microorganisms can proliferate in the water due to nutrients leached from high-protein foods like tofu. Additionally, it is better to discard the remaining tofu from an opened package rather than reuse it for cooking. High-nutrient residues exposed to the air can quickly become a breeding ground for microorganisms.

 

If you need to store opened tofu for a long time, it is better to keep it submerged in water in the refrigerator. At this time, sprinkling a spoonful of salt can help maintain its fresh taste for a longer period. However, it is advisable to change the water about once a day. Removing excess moisture, wrapping it in plastic wrap, and freezing it in the freezer is also an option. Freezing tofu causes moisture to escape, but nutrients like proteins become concentrated, increasing the protein content per gram by nearly six times. When using frozen tofu in cooking, it can be thawed at room temperature or heated in the microwave for 3-5 minutes before cooking.

 

Meanwhile, tofu made from soybeans is a highly nutritious food. According to the National Standard Food Composition Table by the Rural Development Administration, tofu contains 9.62 grams of protein per 100 grams, which helps improve strength and immunity. In fact, protein is a main component of immune cells and the raw material for enzymes that regulate metabolic activities in the body.

 

In particular, the isoflavone components inside tofu are effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms in women. This is because their chemical structure is similar to the female hormone estrogen, allowing them to exert similar effects in the body. In addition, tofu contains various nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, iron, and calcium. With a low calorie content of 97 kcal per 100 grams, it is also suitable as a diet food.

 

 

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The person inside the tofu container

I just throw it away.

It's okay to eat it..

 

The one that appears yellow is the protein nutrient group.