Tofu is probably one of the most ancient types of foods ever discovered. Some studies state that tofu was found in China more than 2000 years ago by accidentally mixing soy milk with nigari.
Since it is increasing in popularity, many questions arise from people that want to integrate it into their dishes; one of the most popular ones is : can you eat raw tofu?
Can you eat raw tofu? Practically every time we eat tofu, we eat a processed and cooked mixture of soybeans that are crushed and boiled in the water. So we usually never eat raw tofu.
Is it dangerous to eat raw tofu?
It is common to speak of raw foods and think immediately of the poisoning they can create.
An infinite number of foods can create a health risk if eaten raw, but this is not the case with tofu.
The tofu is an already processed vegetable protein, and the majority of the risk of contamination is already eliminated during the cooking and the preparation process.
Although it is not as dangerous as other types of raw foods, particular attention must be kept all over time, especially during its preparation.
It is always recommended to keep the maximum hygienic during the preparations of foods by avoiding any possible contact with bacteria.
How to eat raw tofu
Since we already discuss and understand that eating tofu raw will never happen because it is already processed, it is time to overview the most common way to eat tofu raw.
There are several ways of eating tofu raw, and one of the most important things to consider before starting to cook any type of dish is to understand the desirable kind of foods that you want to realize.
Raw tofu can be used for salt and sweet dishes; depending on the place where you live, you can find different dishes.
For example, in East Asia, raw tofu is used for salt dishes in the majority of the case, including stewed soups cooked in sauce.
Is eating raw tofu bad for me?
In the case was passing through your mind if eating raw tofu may be bad for you, not need to worry since they are cooked. You never eat tofu raw; compared to other types of food, such as meat or eggs, plain tofu does not expose you to any risk since it is already processed and cooked.
Since tofu comes in different types: silken, firm, and extra firm, it is always recommended to drain all the liquids that are in excess inside the package.
If you follow the mentioned steps, you don’t have to worry too much, and it will not be dangerous to your body.
What is the nutrient value of tofu?
If you have already decided to eat tofu, your next question could be: what is the nutrient value of tofu? Tofu contains many important nutrients for your body because it is high in protein and contains amino acids that are very important for our body. It also contains fats, carbs, as well as vitamins and minerals.
(100-gram) of tofu contains:
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Fat: 4 grams
- Manganese: 31% of the RDI
- Calcium: 20% of the RDI
- Selenium: 14% of the RDI
- Phosphorus: 12% of the RDI
- Copper: 11% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 9% of the RDI
- Iron: 9% of the RDI
- Zinc: 6% of the RDI
(Source)
From the above value, we can see the tofu comes with low calories values, making it perfect for integrating into your diet.
Since tofu is a plant-based dish, it is perfect for integrating during the preparation of your menu, it is quick and inexpensive to prepare, and you can add it in almost anything, sweets, potatoes, soups and so on.
Can babies eat raw tofu?
Yes, tofu can be good food for babies since it is rich in protein and may give many benefits to them, mainly because it contains omega 3 fatty acids that are a good source for the brain and eyes.
Anyway, it is essential to carefully read all the labels shown on the package because tofu may contain allergens like sesame and wheat.
Suppose you are thinking about preparing raw tofu and giving it to your babies. In that case, you have to understand that preparing raw tofu at home can raise the exposure to bacteria by containing it, making tofu a harmful dish for your babies.
The best thing you can do is buy it in the grocery instead of preparing it by yourself, but always paying particular attention to the types of tofu you purchase.
Final thoughts
When we speak about eating raw tofu, we will never eat it raw since when we purchase it at the grocery, we are already buying it as processed and cooked, which will eliminate any possible risk to our health. Anyway, we have to consider that raw tofu may cause the raising of the allergen; for that reason, it is always important to look at all the risks associated with eating it before starting to eat raw tofu.
