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.Tofu, or bean curd, is a popular food derived from soya. It is made by curdling fresh soya milk, pressing it into a solid block and then cooling it – in much the same way that traditional dairy cheese is made by curdling and solidifying milk. The liquid (whey) is discarded, and the curds are pressed to form a cohesive bond. A staple ingredient in Thai, Japanese and Chinese cookery, it can be cooked in different ways to change its texture from smooth and soft to crisp and crunchy.

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.