Tofu is made from soybeans. Well, more specifically, it’s made from curdling soy milk that suppresses the curds in the soft white block, and while you’ve probably never had a craving for curdled soy milk, we promise the Tofu can be pretty delicious. In Asian diets for centuries, tofu has been a staple food, and know about How long does Tofu last in the fridge.
It is now commonly used in salads and sandwiches throughout the world. Barbecue stir-fried sauces, breakfast scrambles, and even tasty desserts. Its ability to be used in such a variety of dishes is one of Tofu’s most significant strengths.
Tofu is even nutritious and indubitably incredibly low in calories and 100% cholesterol-free. Moreover, it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need, making it a complete protein. In addition, Tofu is high in calcium.
In addition, Tofu is a very convenient product for the kitchen. However, tofu is easy to dry and can be difficult to store. Tofu can be safely stored in the refrigerator by soaking it in water. You can also put the tofu in the freezer and use it later. Watch out for tofu for signs of waste. Do not eat spoiled tofu.
Health Benefits of Tofu
The health benefits of tofu are numerous. Not only is Tofu a great source of protein, but it is also packed with calcium, selenium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. So what it lacks in fiber, it makes up for in mineral content.
Here are the few health benefits of Tofu:
- Cholesterol Level: Various research shows that 10 ounces of Tofu in a day can lower your level of LDL “bad” cholesterol by 5 %.
- Good for the brain: Soy-based food such as Tofu might help your body’s cognitive functions such as memory and problem-solving skills. Studies suggested that Tofu might prevent memory loss and trouble thinking. However, the studies are mixed results yet.
- Bone Health: Besides being a good protein and minerals source, Tofu provides calcium and vitamin D to the body. Both will enhance your bone health.
- Menopause: If any women are going through menopause, then Tofu will benefit you to a reasonable extent. In a small study of postmenopause, half a cup of soybeans added to a low-fat, plant-based diet reduced moderate-to-severe hot flashes by 84%.
- Prostate Cancer: If you have prostate cancer, Tofu may help keep your antigen level lower. It means that cancer may grow slower or maybe not at all.
- Heart Disease: The phytoestrogen found in Tofu might help you to keep your heart healthy. It increases the function of the endothelium in your body, which decreases your risk of heart disease.
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Does Tofu Turn Out To Be Bad?
The very simple answer to this question is Yes! Tofu, however, can also go bad after its expiration date. Tofu is a very nutritional soy product with only 80 calories in 3 ounces (85 grams).
However, since it is made from condensed soy milk, it has an expiration date like any other dairy product. There is a possibility that Tofu will go bad. Due to its bacterial growth tendency, Tofu has a limited shelf life once opened. Fortunately, if you store it properly, you can prolong its lifespan.
Furthermore, Tofu can quickly rot or spoil if not properly stored. Bad tofu can cause food poisoning, and you don’t want to get it from your tofu.
I will make clear the indications that the tofu is getting worse, so you can know when to throw it away. Even if the tofu is rightly preserved, these indications appear every now and then, but not often.
Indications Of Tofu, That Is Going To Rot Or Spoil
- Odor change: Bad tofu smells sour and occasionally sour. The odd odor of tofu should be a reason to throw it away.
- Color change: Usual tofu is white, but when it gets worse, it changes from a slightly yellowish color to a deep dark color.
- Changes in texture: When the tofu gets worse, the texture on the surface hardens,
- Flavor change: If the flavor of tofu changes significantly (for example, if the tofu becomes sour or bitter), this indicates that the tofu is rotten.
- Shape: Black, brown, or strange spots on tofu indicate that the shape has grown and should be thrown out.
How Long Does Tofu Last in the Fridge?
Usually, tofu lasts for four to five days after it has been opened from its original packaging. The tofu can be stored for a long time, however, depending on how it is stored.
Tofu can last as long as the shelf life of the ingredients in the recipe. For example, if kept in the refrigerator at 40°F or below, cooked Tofu should last for around 4-5 days. Tofu that is opened and uncooked can remain in the fridge for 3-5 days without any risk of microbial contamination to ensure safety standards are met.
Results of Consuming Expired Tofu
After the expiration date has passed, the Tofu becomes bad and does not suitable to consume. This is why some people keep the Tofu submerged in water, prone to spoilage. In addition, after a specific time, microorganisms start growing and cause health problems.
Food Poisoning is the most common result of eating expired Tofu. Additionally, eating expired Tofu can cause mild discomfort such as gas, bloating, and other digestive issues.
However, if you consume raw Tofu instead of cooking it, there is a risk of Listeria monocytogenes infection. The bacteria can cause many health problems such as diarrhea, headaches, vomiting, and fever. It typically takes one to four weeks for the symptoms to develop.
How to Store Tofu?
Store it in the Fridge:
The simple and best way to store Tofu is to keep it in the fridge in the same original package you purchased. Do not open the package until necessary. Use the package before it expires by checking the expiration date.
Place it in the Airtight Container:
Tofu is highly sensitive to bacteria. Thus it would help if you kept it in an airtight container, but not in an open bowl or something.
Cover the Tofu with Water:
Tofu will stay better with high moisture. The best option to keep it better is to pour water over the container. Filtered water will be the best option to choose, as impurities present in the water may contaminate the Tofu. A great way to ensure that the water in the container is fresh is to change it every day.
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Bottom Line
The health benefits of Tofu make it an excellent alternative to meat in various dishes, but it can also spoil quickly. It can be stored in the refrigerator for less than a week after opening. Unfortunately, Tofu that has spoiled can cause many health problems.
Our short guide answers the question “How long does cooked tofu last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of Tofu in different mediums. If you found my article “How long does tofu last in the fridge?” helpful, please feel free to share it.
FAQs
Tofu has a shelf life of about five to seven days when stored in the refrigerator. It’s crucial to check the expiration date on the packaging and consume it within that timeframe for the best quality.
Yes, freezing tofu can significantly extend its shelf life. When properly stored in the freezer, tofu can last for several months. However, freezing may change its texture, resulting in a more porous and chewy consistency.
Signs that tofu has gone bad include a sour or off smell, changes in color (such as yellowing or browning), and an unusual slimy or gritty texture. If you notice any of these signs, it’s advisable to discard the tofu.
