HOMEMADE TOFU

Healthy Wealthy Homemade Tofu For Longevity And Prosperity.

WHAT IS TOFU?

Made from soybeans, tofu is an inexpensive and nourishing, protein-rich food. Low in fat, tofu is versatile and also offers numerous health advantages – from being rich in phytonutrients to being a great food alternative to those with milk allergies.

WHY MAKE TOFU AT HOME?

With only a few ingredients, making tofu at home is easy. Below, we highlight the ingredients that you’ll need for homemade tofu, as well as directions for making tofu, and some additional, helpful tips to keep in mind.

TIPS FOR MAKING TOFU

• The amount of coagulant used will influence the texture of the final product: For instance, more coagulant will produce firmer tofu, while less coagulant will produce softer tofu.
• If you plan to consume the tofu within 24 hours of it being made, there is no need to store it in water.
• To give the tofu a more fibrous texture, cover the tofu in water in a sealable container and place in the freezer.  Thaw when ready to use.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 quarts soy milk
• Coagulant (choose one of the following)
• 2 tsp. Terra Alba aka Gypsum (Calcium Sulphate) OR
• 1 tsp. Nigari Flakes (Magnesium Chloride) OR
• 1/2 tsp. Liquid Nigari (Magnesium Chloride)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Boil the soy milk for 5 minutes and then let it cool to 160-175°F (70-80°C) degrees.
2. If you are making soy milk using a soy milk maker, there is no need to boil the milk again.
3. Dissolve the coagulant of your choice in a cup of warm water--do not let it set too long!
4. Mix the water and coagulant mixture into the hot soy milk. Gently stir the milk but do not over mix. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 15-25 minutes.
5. While the mixture sits, small white curds will separate from amber colored liquid.
6. Once the process is complete, transfer the curds into a molding container lined with cheesecloth or a similar fabric. Fold the fabric over the curds and place a small weight on top to begin pressing out the liquid. Allow the mixture to be pressed by the weight for 20-30 minutes or until it holds together. Remove the block of tofu from the mold.
7. If you don't plan to consume the tofu the same day that you make it, store it in a container filled with cold water in the refrigerator. Change this soaking water daily until you consume your tofu.

So you want to live to be 100? The answers to living a long and happy life may come from Japan which has the longest average life expectancy in the world (83.84 years) and where 2 million people are over the age of 90. Believe it or not, 6 of the top 10 oldest people alive are from Japan including Nabi Tajima of Kagoshima who is 117 years old and the last human alive born in the 19th century! 

How did so many Japanese get to live so long? 

What are some of the things Japanese do right? 

In this episode, John travels to Tottori Prefecture to the area around Mt Daisen where his friend Tomiko-san gives him some advice about how to live a long life and how she's lived to be 106 years old and still working on the farm! 

Her secret? 

Tofu. 

She started to make tofu in the 1950s when doctors said residents had to reduce high blood pressure. She made her own tofu for her family and her diet combined with good habits including staying busy and working hard have strengthened her mind and body. She still walks and writes tanka poetry. 

I also ask Mr. Seiichi, my 97 year old Japanese neighbor his secret and hear from a Shinto priest about his thoughts and personal experiences with living a very long and happy life in Japan. 

It's impossible to say exactly what has led to Japan having the longest average life expectancy in the world but these things may help:

★ Green Tea

★ Less fatty foods

★ Seafood

★ Fermented foods

★ Bath culture / Hot Springs & Onsen

★ Smaller portions

★ Education on personal responsibility

★ National safety / low crime rates

★ Respect for the Elderly (It's a national holiday too!)

★ DNA

Special thank you to Daisen Town & Yonago City in Tottori Prefecture for the help. Daisen is celebrating its 1300th anniversary this year and you're invited to the party in June 

2% of the population is above  90 years young .