Tofu (Bean Curd)

A Wholesome Chinese Food

Tofu is a fantastic food made from soybeans. In China, people have enjoyed it for over two thousand years! Not only does it taste good, but it has many helpful uses. Here's how tofu has been used by different people.

A Friend in Many Situations

Tofu can be a helpful food in a lot of ways. Some people have used it when they have problems like stomach troubles, not enough milk for a baby after giving birth, feeling weak or tired, and other issues. People have even used it on their skin!

Comfort for the Tummy

If someone's tummy is upset, they can boil some tofu with a bit of brown sugar and water. Drinking it slowly might make their tummy feel better.

Help for Moms

New mothers might find tofu helpful. They can cook tofu with things like dried mushrooms and pork trotters. Eating this meal might make it easier for them to feed their babies.

Keeping Warm and Cozy

If a person feels cold, they can cook tofu with mutton and ginger. Eating this meal might make them feel warm and snug.

Tofu for Everyone

People with certain illnesses can eat tofu without worrying. It's even safe for people who have heart problems.

Like a Helping Hand

If someone's legs and feet feel puffy and sore, they can mash some tofu and put it on the area. Some folks in China use jellyfish skin, but a cloth will do the trick too!

Wise Words About Tofu

Tofu has been talked about by smart people for a long time. Here's what some of them said:

• A book from 1590 said tofu helps clean the body and keep the blood moving nicely.
• Another book from 1861 talked about seven ways tofu helps people.
• A poet named Dong-Po Su compared tofu to milk and butter. He was right, because tofu is like those things!

Good Stuff Inside Tofu

Tofu is packed with things that are good for you. It's got stuff like protein, fat, and other nutrients. It's also rich in things called calcium and magnesium.

But, be careful if you have problems with something called gout. Tofu has something in it that might not be good for you.

Tofu Around the World

Tofu was born in China, but people in North America started liking it not too long ago. There are still many Chinese foods waiting to be found by people looking to live a long and healthy life.

How to Make Tofu

Making tofu is fun! Soak soybeans in water until they get big, crush them, drain the liquid, and boil it. Add something called gypsum or bittern to make it turn into tofu. Shape it into cubes, and it's ready to enjoy!

Tofu for All

Tofu is loved by everyone. Young or old, rich or poor, good or bad, people all over China enjoy tofu. It's even called "vegetable meat" because some folks cook it to look like meat.

When Chinese students went to France a long time ago, they brought tofu makers with them. France became the first place in Europe to learn about tofu.

In China, people say tofu is everyone's favorite food. And why not? With so many ways to enjoy it, tofu truly is a food for all!