Tofu, which is made for the dead, but loved worldwide

The debate about whether to call tofu cheese, been going on for a very long time. Indeed, whether the right of a dish in which there is not an ounce of milk, to consist in the noble brotherhood of fermented milk products? We won't explore this, but rather tell you about the tofu, and why he was so loved by gourmets all over the world.

The history of tofu is very ancient: it was first started to prepare for a very long time, about 2 thousand years ago during the Han dynasty in China. Legend has it that this cheese was invented by accident by mixing some dish of soybeans with sea salt, which caused the setting of the mass. The authorship of this product is attributed to Prince Liu Anya, but like it or not, hard to say.

In China in General long been made to attribute all sorts of merits, monarchs and members of their families, therefore the relative of the Emperor can be here and nothing to do with it. Scientists tend to believe that the Chinese stole the technology of making dairy cheese from their Northern neighbors, the Mongols and just decided to test it on the ground from soybeans.

In China tofu is not just a popular dish but also a ritual meal. As well as we eat at the funeral kutia, drink tofu. The choice of this soft vegetable cheese was chosen because according to legend, the spirits of the dead have no jaws to chew, they can only something soft.

Today, tofu can not be considered purely soy product. It is made from peanuts, chickpeas, almonds and even eggs. Despite differences in the composition and preparation technology these products are still called tofu, and it is uncertain on what basis assigned the food is the proud of the ancient name.

This may seem strange, but it is not a milk product tofu in its classical interpretation is prepared from milk. However, milk is not animal origin, and vegetable soybean. Cheese turns to liquid in the coagulation process, which cause several ways.

Used three types of coagulant: salt, acid and enzyme. Because of this, the tofu can have a different taste, appearance and aroma. But despite differences, the tofu is always soft product having a light color, from white to cream. Most types of cheese can also boast brand bean flavor, although it is optional.

As we can see a few reasons to call tofu cheese is still there. Although the milk as such and not used in any recipe, the cooking technology of milk and soy cheeses are very similar, and the appearance even more.

From tofu millions of fans worldwide and not only in Asia. This cheese is especially revered by those who consider themselves vegans and people who are watching their health. This product and actually very useful. Scientists have found that regular use reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases.

Tofu also helps to normalize the level of cholesterol in the first place because it can replace animal protein in the human diet. It contains substances genistein and isoflavone are considered strong antioxidants and can theoretically protect cells from degeneration into cancer.

Particularly recommend tofu for women. Soy isoflavone helps to avoid bone loss and improve bone density during menopause. And in 2017, it turned out that the soy cheese is an excellent choice for people with Alzheimer's disease. Lecithin tofu contributes to the development of body phospholipids and phosphatidic acid that helps the nervous system to resist the disease.

Unfortunately, there is tofu and disadvantages and also a lot. First and foremost, it is worth mentioning that soy, which often produce cheese, always genetically modified. Also manufacturers of soybean without remorse treat her with hexane — a chemical that helps remove butter from the beans. So if you avoid products with GMOs or containing suspicious links, tofu is definitely not for you.

Endocrinologists do not recommend especially to lean on tofu men, especially after 40. Soy beans contain phytoestrogens, are able to exert feminizing effects on the body, especially in a period when their male hormones the body produces is a little. So those who like tofu have a chance to get gynecomastia, although it will not necessarily happen with you.

But if you think tofu is more dangerous than, for example, our beloved compatriots "Russian" cheese, we will grieve — the pride of Soviet cheese making has long been not the same soy and Chinese counterparts on the utility of not good, and a candle.

Tofu is considered a versatile product that can be used by itself or in combination with other ingredients. This cheese is a frequent guest in different dietary salads, for example, quinoa, cabbage or spinach. In Japan, China and Korea, tofu was also fried, smoked and even pickled. Due to the very mild taste of soy cheese can be given with the help of spice with a different type, including very refined.

Add the tofu, onion, garlic or seasoning and you will find out about this product a lot! You don't want? Try the sweet tofu in a dessert, add jam, raisins or even just sugar. It is possible to prepare pancakes, sandwich spread, and even vegetarian fillings with different flavors for ravioli or dumplings.