Tofu is popular and healthy. But can it also be dangerous? (*) The short answer is yes. Tofu can go bad. If you are to stop this from happening to you and your family, you must learn to store it properly.
The following article will offer advice and guidance on telling fresh from spoiled tofu in the store. It will also provide a range of tips on how to store and preserve your tofu.
In the end, you will know to prevent your tofu from going bad.
Does Tofu Go Bad? How To Tell
Tofu does not hold up well when it spoils. There are numerous indicators of bad tofu. Here are some of them:
1. Package
We recommend that you buy tofu at a trusted grocery store or specialty shop. Buying it from a vendor that you don’t know can be risky. That said, you can tell if the tofu offered by such a store has gone bad if the package it is in is bloated. That means a bacteria colony has formed inside, and the box is full of all kinds of gaseous toxins.
2. Smell
Good tofu has a mild and neutral scent. Bad tofu has a rancid, acidic odor.
3. Color
Bad tofu has a yellowish or dark yellowish color. Don’t eat it.
4. Texture
If you notice a slimy, sticky substance on the surface of your tofu, it is a sure sign that it has gone bad.
5. Taste
You will probably notice more than one of the above signs that your tofu is no longer any good. But if you have not picked up any of them—which could happen if the tofu is part of a larger dish—then you will know that your tofu has gone bad if you experience a bitter or sour taste when you take a bite.
6. Water
The water for storing your tofu should remain clear. If it becomes cloudy or lumpy, then it has gone bad.
7. Mold
The appearance of black, brown, or green spots is an indication of mold. And like every other type of food, the presence of mold means that your tofu has gone bad.
Is it safe to eat expired tofu?
Yes! We strongly recommend that you avoid eating bad tofu.
You should also take care to wash your hands thoroughly before handling them. And you should never use the same utensils for tofu that you have used with other meal ingredients.
Use separate knives for cutting tofu and other condiments. This is the best way to prevent tofu poisoning.
As for the possible health risks of spoiled tofu, they are real and dangerous. Tofu is best kept in water. Once the expiration date has passed, pathogenic microorganisms can grow in this water and cause health problems. If you eat bad tofu, you will experience mild discomfort such as flatulence, bloating, and other digestive problems.
There is also the possibility of developing what is called a Listeria monocytogenes infection if you eat raw tofu. This type of infection can cause diarrhea, headaches, vomiting, and fever, all of which can appear up to four weeks after consumption. While tofu can be eaten raw, we recommend that you cook your tofu to avoid such an infection. (*)
How To Store Tofu To Make It Last Longer
Tofu is a quickly perishable product. But there are ways to store it so that it lasts longer. Here are some of our top storage tips:
1. Pantry
To prolong the life of your store-bought tofu in a pantry, you should place it in a dark corner that is away from sunlight and draft.
2. Freezer
It is possible to freeze your pack of tofu. Freezing anything tends to keep it from spoiling. However, with tofu, you will need to be vigilant. Because tofu is composed of a high percentage of water, it will expand as it freezes. Depending on what your container is made of, it may shatter as a result.
To avoid such an incident, you should open the tofu package and drain all the water out. You should then put the tofu on a cake sheet covered with a paper towel. Once all the water is gone, you can put the tofu in a freezer bad or some other airtight container and place it in the freezer.
Here are some further tips on dealing with frozen tofu:
- You can freeze tofu for up to four months; however, it will still be safe to eat even after a year of storage.
- You should divide the package of tofu into smaller portions before you freeze it, and you should never refreeze tofu after it has thawed.
- When you are ready to eat the tofu, you should take it out of the freezer and leave it in the fridge for at least 12 hours.
- If you intend to cook a meal with tofu, it is better to put it directly in the dish rather than thaw it.
Where Should I Store Tofu?
The fridge is the best place to keep tofu. You should consume it before the expiration date. And we recommend that you not use any tofu that has been out-of-date for more than a week.
You can find store-bought tofu in aseptic packaging. It is safe to store this type of tofu in your pantry for up to three months. However, once you open it, you will need to put it in the fridge and consume it within 3 days.
If you have made your own tofu, then you should not store it in your pantry. Doing so is unsafe because it will not contain the additives needed to prevent spoilage.
It is better to keep your homemade tofu in an airtight container in your fridge for a maximum of 5 days.
You should also refrigerate any meal that contains tofu.
The bottom line here is that as long as you store tofu properly and do not keep it beyond the expiration date, it will remain safe.
In Summary
Tofu is one of the richest sources of protein for people who do not eat meat. It can be eaten on its own or used as a condiment and meat substitute in a variety of dishes. It is also inexpensive, which is why it is so tempting to buy large quantities at a time.
However, it is also one of the more delicate foods. It has very little shelf-life and must be stored properly. Tofu does go bad, it is vulnerable to bacteria growth, and it must be handled with care if it is to remain fresh and edible. By following a few simple tips, you can keep and eat your tofu without any problems.
