{"id":661,"date":"2020-11-27T15:05:32","date_gmt":"2020-11-27T15:05:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimatesurvivalspace.com\/?p=661"},"modified":"2022-03-25T10:32:44","modified_gmt":"2022-03-25T10:32:44","slug":"does-fermented-tofu-expire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/does-fermented-tofu-expire\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Fermented Tofu Expire?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Tofu, which is also sometimes referred to as bean curd, is a soy milk product that has been known for many years to be a healthy food that is low in calories but high in protein. In the homesteading and prepping sectors, we ferment many foods to extend their storage capability and provide us with a means to prepare these foods in advance and have them available when we need them. Is tofu one of the foods that can be fermented in this way, and if so, how long will it last, and does it expire?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fermented tofu will not keep indefinitely but has a significant shelf-life of between six months to a year. The fermentation process continues, even if refrigerated, and it will reach a point beyond which it will be inedible. This expiration date is often determined by the type of ferment, as some ferments can take six months just to reach maturity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tofu is an important protein source for homesteaders and preppers since it can be used as an alternative to meat protein when that is in short supply. In order to have this protein source available when we need it, we need to know how to store it long term. The best way to achieve this with tofu is to ferment it, which not only improves its longevity but also enhances its flavor!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tofu in its normal state will generally only last 5 days to a week in the fridge<\/strong> once the packaging has been opened. It lasts a bit longer in the freezer, and you can probably get it to last between 3 and 5 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Freezing is not always a feasible method of preserving foods, especially in homesteading or off-grid living<\/strong>. In these circumstances, fermenting is the best method<\/strong> to extend the shelf life of your tofu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many methods of fermenting tofu, and the various methods result in various forms of tofu that can last for varying amounts of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, fermented tofu, if refrigerated once the fermentation has reached the desired level, can last for six months easily in an airtight jar. In some instances, the tofu fermented and stored in this way has been known to last for up to a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with any fermented foods, you need to test the product when you open it to determine if it is still good for consumption<\/strong>. Your best tools for determining this fact are your senses of vision, smell, and taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the visual inspection<\/strong>, you will be able to tell if any mold has invaded your fermented tofu and started to grow on it. This can normally be prevented by making sure it is below the brine solution when you store it in your fridge. If it has developed any mold growth, it would be safer to discard your tofu in the interest of health and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The smell detection<\/strong> is to take a whiff and see if it smells offensive or rotten. Fermented tofu can have a strong odor similar to a block of strong cheese, but a rotten smell is definitely an indication that the tofu has gone off and should not be eaten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taste is the last sensory evaluation to try<\/strong> if the tofu has passed the other two tests. If the tofu tastes anything other than what you would expect it to taste like, then you should probably discard it. For those who are new to tofu, fermented tofu is a lot like a strong cheese; it tastes better than it smells. So if you taste test the fermented tofu and it tastes bad, then rather toss it out and try again.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Long Will Fermented Tofu Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n