National Tofu Day is on September 1 every year in the U.K. Tofu is either loved or hated by people; there is no in-between. The first group adores the wholesome superfood and extols its adaptability. Those in the second group don’t comprehend the fuss, either! Tofu is supposedly tasteless. This is all mostly accurate. National Tofu Day, however, exhorts skeptics to give the dish another go. There are many reasons why, but a fantastic place to start is the abundance of health advantages. Without the fat, tofu has a lot of protein. We also concur that tofu lacks flavor on its own. But if you serve it with the ideal sauce or garnishes, you’ll never go wrong.
History of National Tofu Day
Making tofu first became popular in China during the Han era, almost 2,000 years ago. It then made its way to eastern Asia, including Japan. The rise of Buddhism and the vegetarian diet advised for practitioners may have occurred simultaneously with the popularity of tofu. Since that time, tofu has become a mainstay in East Asian kitchens.
How does one make tofu? Tofu is born from curdled soy milk pressed into a solid block and cooled. Preparing tofu is similar to the production of dairy cheese, where you curdle and solidify milk. Unlike cheese making, you need to discard the whey and press the curds to form a solid.
Many people nowadays, especially vegetarians, enjoy tofu. Tofu is a great source of protein, according to doctors, nutritionists, and proponents of cruelty-free living. All nine of the necessary amino acids are present. It also contains a ton of zinc, copper, vitamin B1, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Sweet or savory, tofu lends itself beautifully to any dish. You can cook it in different ways to change its texture. It can transform from soft and silken smooth to crunchy depending on the hand that cooks it. You can grill, bake, or stir-fry tofu. The neutral (some might say bland) taste works well with multiple foods. Think of all the flavor combinations you could try out in the kitchen.
We don’t know why tofu gets such a bad rap. So, it’s high time we change the narrative. National Tofu Day is the best day to start. If you haven’t tried tofu yet, give it another go today.
National Tofu Day timeline
Prince Liu An of the Han Dynasty in Anhui province invents tofu and tofu making.
Tofu production becomes popular in Japan during the Nara period.
Franklin writes a letter to John Bartram about a cheese made from seawater and soy curds.
Li Yuying opens the Usine de la Caséo-Sojaïne in France for the large-scale manufacturing and sale of bean curd.
National Tofu Day FAQs
Can you be vegan without eating tofu?
While tofu is excellent, vegans must eat whole plant-based foods for a balanced diet. Remember to stock up on lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, and fruits.
What is a substitute for meat protein?
Vegetarians or vegans need to have a well-planned, balanced diet to compensate for the loss of nutrients from meat. Choose from alternatives such as beans, lentils, nutritional yeast, tofu, seitan, hemp seeds, green peas, quinoa, and amaranth.
Is seitan worse than meat?
Seitan is made from wheat gluten and is considered a substitute for meat protein. It contains fewer calories and less fat than beef, with almost the same amount of protein.
National Tofu Day Activities
Make a tofu dish
National Tofu Day encourages people to cook with tofu. Find numerous recipes online and get experimenting today.
Learn about tofu
It can be daunting to cook or eat tofu if you’re not used to it. Take the time to read up on this vegetarian superfood and how it's good for you.
Go shopping
If you’re looking for cooking inspiration, visit the nearest Asian supermarket and pick up some tofu. While you’re at it, ask around for other ingredients that can make a tasty, nutritious tofu dinner.
5 Facts About Tempeh That Will Blow Your Mind
Indonesian origins
Tempeh may have taken off in a big way recently, but it has been a staple in Indonesian kitchens for over 300 years.
Tempeh for gains
Tempeh has insanely high levels of protein that can aid muscle strength and growth.
Tempeh prevents osteoporosis
The high mineral content in tempeh makes bones stronger and lowers the risk of osteoporosis in women.
Cancer prevention
Research links tempeh consumption with reduced inflammation levels and a lower risk of prostate cancer. {[Nuts about tempeh
Nuts about tempeh
Unlike tofu, tempeh has a nutty flavor and comes shaped like a pressed cake.
Why We Love National Tofu Day
Healthy diets
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat-eater, healthy tofu is good for everyone. Eating tofu can improve your overall health and lifestyle.
Cruelty-free diets
Are you looking to become vegan or vegetarian? Tofu can make the diet transition easier on your body.
Any excuse for Asian food
Few things can spice up a boring weekday dinner the way Asian food can. Tofu is quick and easy to make at home. For everyone else, there’s always takeout.
National Tofu Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
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