Tofu is a soybean product that has been processed into a white, soft cheese-like food. It has a low-calorie count and contains no cholesterol, making it a popular choice for those looking for a healthy option.
Tofu can be stored in the fridge or freezer, but what happens if you leave it out on the counter for a few hours? This article will explore the science behind tofu spoilage and provide tips on how to store it properly.
Tofu is a perishable food and, like other perishable foods, it must be stored properly to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
If tofu is left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it should be thrown away, as it may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Even if the appearance and smell of the tofu are unchanged, it does not mean that it has not become contaminated.
The optimal temperature range for bacteria growth is between 40°F and 140°F, and under these conditions, bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes. This temperature range is often referred to as the “Danger Zone” because it is within this range that foodborne illnesses are most likely to occur.
In this article, we explore:
- What happens if you don’t refrigerate tofu? Can you get food poisoning from tofu?
- Can tofu go bad?
- The only exception: Shelf-stable tofu
- Can you eat tofu out of the box? Does packaged tofu need to be cooked?
- The Best Ways to Store Tofu So It Lasts Longer
- The Bottom Line
1. What happens if you don’t refrigerate tofu? Can you get food poisoning from tofu?
If tofu is left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. If you experience these symptoms after eating tofu that has been left out of the fridge, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
To help prevent foodborne illnesses, it is important to keep perishable food like tofu out of the “Danger Zone” by storing it in a fridge or cooler below 40°F.
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2. Can tofu go bad?
Yes, tofu can go bad.
Tofu has a high water content, which makes it an attractive food source for bacteria. Room temperature is optimal for their reproduction phase, so never leave tofu out at room temperature for over two hours.
In addition, tofu can also go bad, even if properly stored, for too long. The length of time tofu lasts depends on how it is stored, if the package has been opened, and whether it is cooked or raw.
Unopened, tofu will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure to look at the Best-By date informed by the manufacturer in the packaging.
Once the package has been opened, tofu can last up to five days in the fridge.
Tofu can also be frozen for up to six months.
Cooked tofu will last for three to four days in the refrigerator.
When storing tofu, be sure to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
If you see mold on tofu, throw it away. If the tofu has an off smell or flavor, it has gone bad too and should also be discarded.
To extend the shelf life of tofu, be sure to keep it refrigerated. Cooked tofu will last in the fridge for 3-5 days. Tofu can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
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3. The only exception: Shelf-stable tofu
Shelf-stable tofu is a type of tofu that does not need to be refrigerated and has a longer shelf life than other types of tofu. Shelf-stable tofu is typically made from fermented soybeans, which makes it more resistant to spoilage.
If remaining unopened, shelf-stable tofu can be stored at room temperature until the best-by date. Once opened, shelf-stable tofu should be refrigerated and used within 5 days.
Shelf-stable tofu can be a convenient option for those who do not have access to a refrigerator or who want to have a supply of tofu on hand that does not need to be cooked immediately.
However, it is important to note that shelf-stable tofu has a different flavor and texture than other types of tofu, so it may not be suitable for all dishes.
4. Can you eat tofu out of the box? Does packaged tofu need to be cooked?
Many people enjoy eating tofu right out of the package, and there is no need to cook it first.
Tofu is a food made from soy milk that has been coagulated and then pressed into solid blocks.
Packaged tofu has already gone through a thermal treatment during the manufacturing process – soy milk is boiled before it is coagulated. So ear tofu is safe to eat without further cooking.
However, some people prefer to cook their tofu before eating it, in order to achieve a different texture or flavor.
5. The Best Ways to Store Tofu So It Lasts Longer
Tofu can go bad faster if it is not stored properly. Here we will look at the best ways to store it to ensure the longest possible shelf life.
If tofu is still unopened, there is no need to store it in another container. Just store it as is in the fridge.
Once the packaging has been opened, remove the water it came with and transfer the tofu to an airtight container. By filling this container with fresh water you will be able to extend its shelf life by a few days. Discard and change the water every day to keep the tofu from going bad.
Cooked tofu will last a little longer than raw tofu, but it should still be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Tofu can be frozen for up to six months, but there may be some changes in texture after thawing. Frozen tofu can be thawed in the fridge or by running cold water over the package. Once thawed, frozen tofu can be cooked like fresh tofu.
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6. The Bottom Line
If tofu is left out of the fridge for four hours, it will start to spoil.
Tofu is a food made from soy milk that has been coagulated and then pressed into solid blocks.
Packaged tofu has already gone through a thermal treatment during the manufacturing process – soy milk is boiled before it is coagulated.
However, if tofu is not stored properly, it can go bad quickly.
Tofu should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
If it is left out of the fridge for more than two hours, it should be discarded.