Freezing Tofu

by Memory
(Canada)

Last year I bought a summer/country/eventual retirement home that is about 3 hours to the nearest store that sells tofu, grains and other staples. I want to buy my groceries a few months at a time to minimize the amount I travel.

I normally keep my grains in the fridge or cold room but I haven't yet tried freezing tofu. Does it change the flavor or texture? Can I freeze Silken tofu, or just the firm and extra-firm? How long is the freezer life of tofu?

Thanks again and have a wonderful day!

Memory

*****
Sassy Sez: Hi Memory, I really enjoy the results of freezing regular (versus silken) tofu. Do you buy the tofu that come in those plastic containers? So many people say you have to remove the tofu from that container before freezing, but I have always just placed the whole unopened container in the freezer for 24 hours, then removed it to the fridge to defrost for 48 hours, and it has always worked beautifully - and is easiest.

Yes, the texture of regular tofu changes once frozen. Freezing gives tofu more of a "bite" -- simply defrost for 2 days or so in the fridge, then squeeze out the excess water (you may find putting the tofu between two plates in your sink and putting a heavy can on top helps to drain the tofu more completely). Please note the color will change from white to more of a beige color once frozen. But the flavor does not change.

Regarding silken tofu, I have honestly never done that. But according to the MoriNu website, you can freeze silken tofu and then thaw it to give it a more chewy, meat-like, and dense texture. After you freeze it for at least 48 hours, the texture should be similar to chicken breast, red meat, or a fish filet.

They also caution: "The instructions on the package 'Do Not Freeze' mean that you should not freeze the tofu INSIDE THE PACKAGE ITSELF. The package could swell and burst in the freezer, creating a big mess."

Be sure to visit the Mori-Nu website to find the recommendations they offer for best freezing results.

Thanks for the good questions. xo