What is Dried beancurd sticks ( tofu ) ?

Dried beancurd sticks might not sound or look like the most enticing ingredient at the Asian market, but when you know how to prepare them – and it isn’t hard – they just might become one of your go-to ingredients for braises, stir fries, soups, and salads.

Dried beancurd sticks, also known as dried tofu skin, yuba, fu zhu, or bamboo tofu, are made from the skin that forms on the surface of boiled soy milk.(Get a glimpse of the process in our tour of Hodo Soy Beanery.) I grew up eating them prepared by my father, a Chinese-Vietnamese chef. Whenever I spotted a bowl of “tofu sticks” soaking on the kitchen counter, I jumped with excitement knowing that we’d soon be treated to one of my favorite meals. Whether they were incorporated into pan-fried vegetables or congee, I always savored their chewy, somewhat meaty texture. (And for a vegetarian, they made an excellent protein-packed meat substitute.) These days I like adding them to noodle salads like goi chay and hiyashi chuka.

What is origins and benefit of dried beancurd sticks ( tofu ) ?

Like many soya foods, tofu originated in China. Legend has it that it was discovered about 2000 years ago by a Chinese cook who accidentally curdled soy milk when he added nigari seaweed. Introduced into Japan in the eighth century, tofu was originally called okabe. Its modern name did not come into use until 1400. By the 1960s, interest in healthy eating brought tofu to Western nations. Since that time, countless research has demonstrated the many benefits that soya and tofu can provide.

Tofu is a good source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also a valuable plant source of iron and calcium and the minerals manganese, selenium and phosphorous. In addition, tofu is a good source of magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamin B1.

Tofu is an excellent food from a nutritional and health persepective. It is thought to provide many of the same benefits as soya beans.

It can enhance the skin and hair, boost energy, and help maintain a healthy weight.