Getting Sarted with Tofu

By: Sunrise Soya Foods

Tofu can be prepared in a variety of ways to create tasty flavorful dishes. An easy way to incorporate more soy into your diet is to begin by substituting your meat protein with tofu as a healthier plant based protein. One simple step can help you lower the fat and cholesterol in your meals while adding protein and calcium at the same time. So, whether you are a veteran or a first time user, we make adding tofu to your diet easy with our selection of delicious recipes on our website at www.sunrise-soya.com.

Tofu is a versatile ingredient for cooking that can easily be incorporated into any diet. Tofu has a very light, delicate and subtle bean flavor. Tofu readily takes on the delicious flavors of other ingredients with which it is cooked.

· Start by mixing SOFT tofu into dessert recipes like chocolate cake, cookies or your breakfast smoothies.
· Recipes calling for ground beef or chicken are ideal for EX FIRM tofu substitutions.
· Try crumbling ITALIAN HERB tofu in lasagna, spaghetti sauce, chili and tacos.
· You can also use SOFT tofu as a substitute in recipes calling for eggs, milk, oil and other dairy products.

1. Know Your Tofu

The soybean has a unique composition offering a good balance of nutrients including high quality protein, fiber and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6. Soybeans are often referred to as the best protein source originating from the soil. Soy is the only legume that contains a complete protein that is almost equivalent in quality to the protein found in dairy and meat products. Soy protein provides all nine amino acids essential for human health. Remember all tofu is not created equal. Tofu comes in a variety of textures and flavors. Firmer types of tofu have more soy protein whereas softer varieties have more water content, and offer less soy protein in equal serving sizes.

2. Buying Tofu

Sunrise and Pete's Tofu are found in the produce or dairy sections of your supermarkets, natural health food and grocery stores. Check the "Best Before" date on the package and be sure to use before that date. Call our Bean Line at 1-800-661-2326 to receive coupons and recipes to get started.

3. Handling Tofu

Be sure to drain excess water from your tofu before using it. For Medium Firm Tofu, let it sit in a colander for 10 minutes or pat dry with paper towel before using.
· Always cook tofu over low heat
· Do not over-cook, Over-cooking causes it to become dry and tough
· Marinate tofu in a glass or enamel dish; a metal dish may leave an unpleasant taste.

4. Storing Tofu

After tofu is opened, store the unused portion in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for three to four days. Tofu is perishable and must be kept refrigerated. Discard tofu if it develops a sour odor or if the package becomes bloated.
· Medium, Firm and Extra Firm tofu can be wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a plastic container.
· Soft and dessert tofu can be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the original container.
· Medium Firm and firmer varieties of tofu can be frozen. Soft and dessert tofu should not be frozen because they have a high water content. Frozen tofu should be consumed within three months.

Sunrise Soya Foods is proud of our tofu and soy products which promote Goodness. They are also nutritious and taste great.

We are committed to creating high quality products and new flavours that meet the needs of our health conscious customers who seek food that is cholesterol free, dairy free, low in fat and convenient to prepare.

Our Vision is to have "Tofu in every Fridge". Visit us online at: www.sunrise-soya.com.

© Toronto4Kids - December 2007