How is Superior Natural's Tofu Made
Have you ever wondered how Superior Natural’s Tofu is made?
For September’s blog, we’re focusing on the Tofu process including the steps it takes to make tofu and what makes our Tofu so special. To help us with this blog post, Superior Natural’s Plant Manager, Joanna shared behind the scenes information of the tofu making process from start to finish.
Before we even begin to make our tofu, we must source our soybeans first. Superior Natural only uses Canadian Grown, Non-GMO Soybeans. For our Organic line of products, we use Canadian Grown, organic soybeans.
Joanna notes that we select our soybean supplier carefully to ensure that we are buying genuine non-GMO soybeans. Each bag of beans is certified under the Canadian Identity Preserve Recognition System.
Q: How Many Steps Does it take to Make Tofu?
From start to finish, the process of making tofu takes 10 steps.
Step 1:
First, the soybeans need to be cleaned and soaked.
Step 2:
The soybeans are then grinded to extract the soybean juice also referred to as ‘soymilk.’
Step 3:
The soymilk is then filtered using various filter system stations. The soymilk is filtered to ensure the skin and insoluble fibre from the soybeans is separated from the soymilk.
Step 4:
Next, the filtered soymilk is cooked in a steam cooker that is computer controlled to regulate the correct temperature and cooking pressure.
Step 5:
Coagulant is added to the soymilk which causes the liquid to become a solid.
Step 6:
After adding the coagulant, the texture is now similar to a soy pudding as it has become thicker. The blended mixture can now be poured into the forming box to be formed and pressed. The more amount of water that is pressed from tofu results in a firmer tofu, like Extra Firm Tofu!
Step 7:
Next, the tofu is cut into the right size. Whether it’s for Superior’s water-packed tofu or our Asian classics line, we make sure the product is cut into the right size.
Step 8:
The product is packaged in Superior Natural’s packaging.
Step 9:
The product is then pasteurized.
Step 10:
All finished! The product is then transferred to the cooler until it is transported to stores.
Q: Do Different Types of Tofu Require a Different Process?
When it comes to tofu, although the beginning process is the same for all tofu products, a few of Superior Natural’s tofu items follow a different process.
Silken Tofu:
Our Silken Tofu is poured into our tofu tray or tube package and is pasteurized then cooled. Since silken and softer varieties of tofu don’t need to be pressed or cut, we adhere to a different process for these types of items.
Marinated & Fried Tofu:
Our Savoury Pressed Tofu and fried tofu follows our tofu making process with the addition of adding the marinade for our Savoury Pressed Tofu or frying the tofu for our Fried Tofu.
Q: What Makes Superior Natural’s Tofu Special?
We believe that tofu should be pure and simple. For Joanna and the team at Superior Natural, we believe that what makes Superior’s Tofu special is the ingredients that we use in our tofu and our authentic, traditional craftsmanship.
We appreciate Joanna taking the time to help with this month’s blog. Since 2001, Joanna has been part of the Superior team and has witnessed the growth and expansion from starting as a small tofu facility to our current GFSI, SQF Certified and HAACP facility.
By being part of the Superior Natural team, tofu is a big part of our lives. When Joanna isn’t at the Superior Natural facility, she enjoys her favorite Superior product at home, our Organic Extra Firm Tofu!
From production to the final product that is enjoyed at your table, tofu continues to bring us all together and we’re happy to be able to provide delicious, high quality tofu products for our customers.
To learn more about Superior Natural’s product line, please visit our products page.
Stay up to date with Superior Natural by scanning the QR code below to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Stay healthy and stay tuned!
