Whether you are a weight watcher or not, you might love tofu. It may look weird and may feel like a sponge, but it has a distinct flavor and can be eaten in a variety of ways, depending on how creative you are. Plus, it is loaded with tons of health benefits that will make it a delicious treat sans the guilt!
If you love eating tofu, it is inevitable that there are instances wherein there are leftovers. In some cases, people tend to stock up for future supply. But, how long does tofu last? Is it still fresh? Can you still consume it? Keep on reading the rest of this post and we’ll let you know the answer!
How Long Does Tofu Last
Unfortunately, the shelf life of tofu is not indefinite. At one point, it will spoil, which means that it is no longer safe for consumption. Eating tofu past its expiration date can give you stomach aches and food poisoning, among other serious problems.
If you are wondering how long does tofu last, there are different variables that can have an impact on the answer. For instance, this will depend on the way the tofu is stored. If it is frozen, it can last longer. Also, to make the shelf life longer, you should make sure that it is kept properly and away from external factors that can possibly speed up spoilage.
For refrigerated tofu, pay attention to the date stated by the manufacturer in the packaging. If the package has not been opened, it can last in the fridge for up to two months. On the other hand, if you already open the box, make sure to eat the tofu within three to five days.
Freezing tofu is one of the best ways to make it last longer without negatively affecting taste, texture, and nutritional value. When it is frozen and unopened, it can last for up to six months or even a year.
How To Make Tofu Last Longer
Now that you are aware of how long does tofu last, the next thing that you should know is how it can be stored properly. This is crucial for retaining its freshness even after some time. You cannot just throw it in the fridge and expect that it will last for a long time.
One of the best things that you can do is to not take it out from the original packaging unless you are ready to use or eat it. Cut it out in smaller portions. Also, place it inside the container with an air-tight seal. Air penetration will make it spoil easily, even when it is placed inside the fridge.
It is also a good idea to add water in the container before you place the tofu inside. This is important to keep it moist. Otherwise, it will end up being dry. Filtered water is highly-recommended. If you use tap water, there is a risk of contamination. You need to change the water daily, especially if you plan to store tofu for an extended period.
For freezing, on the other hand, you can just keep the entire package when it is not yet opened. There is nothing special that you need to do. Freezing, however, is one thing that many people dislike. This is because once the tofu is thawed, it can end up being chewy.
To make sure that the tofu will have an optimal taste and texture, proper thawing is necessary. One thing that you can do is to use paper towels to squeeze out extra moisture from the surface. Place paper towels on the top and bottom of the tofu to drain out excess water.
How To Know If Tofu Has Gone Bad
There is one easy way to do this – to take a look at the expiration date written in the packaging. Once this date has lapsed, refrain from using the tofu. It may not necessarily cause instant death, but this will result to losing its flavor and texture. If it is kept in a different container, make sure to label it with the date it has been stored to know until when it can be kept.
Discoloration is one of the most common things that will happen once tofu has gone bad. If its original color is white, it will turn to beige or become darker once it has spoiled. In some instances, mold will also appear on the top, as well as white bubbles.
There will also be changes on the color and taste of tofu. It will turn sour. This is one thing that might be quite difficult for some people to spot, especially if you are not a tofu eater.
How Do You Cook Tofu
Now that you know how long does tofu last, as a bonus, we’ll also let you know some of the best ways to cook tofu. It is rich in protein and other nutrients, which will make it an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to have healthy lifestyle.
Marinating tofu, usually with soy sauce, is also a good idea. Tofu tastes bland. By adding some flavor into it, you can make it delicious. Once marinated, you can have it fried until golden brown. It will be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Frying tofu is a common choice for many, but only a few are able to do it perfectly. Before anything else, one thing that you can do is to roll it in cornstarch, which will make it crispy. Also, be sure that the oil is hot before frying. Sesame and coconut oil are the best because they can add distinct flavor to your tofu.
Here is a short video showing how you can make a delicious treat with tofu:
Conclusion
Now that you have reached the end of this post, I hope that you were able to gain valuable insights. How long does tofu last? Based on the discussions above, here are the things you should know.
- The shelf life of tofu is not indefinite. There will come a time that there will be mold and it will be discolored. It can also turn darker in color and sour in taste or smell. These are all signs that tofu has gone bad.
- Tofu, when unopened, can last in the fridge for two months. Once opened, it can last for three to five days. For frozen tofu, on the other hand, if it is not opened, it can last for six months. Once opened, the shelf life is three to five days.
- If you want tofu to last longer, make sure that it is stored properly. Keep it in a container with air-tight seal. Add water and have it replaced daily. This will help retain its moisture.
