If you are a fan of tofu, you are probably already aware that it is usually a tempting, creamy white color. However, sometimes, you’ll come across tofu that is yellow, and that might leave you wondering whether it is safe to eat.
In general, yellow tofu should not be eaten. Yellowing or other discoloration occurs when the tofu is starting to decay, and if you eat yellow tofu, you may make yourself sick. You might even get food poisoning as a result of eating expired tofu, so be very wary of tofu that has turned yellow.
In this article, we’ll be exploring what makes tofu turn yellow and whether you need to avoid eating yellow tofu. We’ll also look at the other top signs that tofu has expired.
Is Yellow Tofu Okay To Eat?
You should not eat yellow tofu. Tofu generally turns yellow when it has started to expire. However, it is worth noting that tofu can turn yellow when you freeze it, and will sometimes become surprisingly dark. This tofu is still fine to eat; simply thaw it and enjoy it as normal. If you haven’t frozen your tofu, though, you shouldn’t eat it if it’s yellow.
Tofu tends to turn darker as it ages, and this often gives it a yellow tint that will make it appear unpleasant. You might notice other signs of decay, including things like:
- An unpleasant, strange, or musty aroma
- Spots of mold on the surface
- A slimy or sticky texture on the outside of the tofu
- A nasty flavor
If you have had some tofu in your fridge for a long time, you should thoroughly inspect it before you use it in a meal. Tofu does have a long shelf life, particularly if it hasn’t been opened, but it will still eventually go bad. You must check it before you eat it if you don’t want to get sick.
First, inspect the tofu visually for yellowing, darkening, or mold spots. Tofu often becomes tan on the outside, while staying white inside. Blue or green mold may start to develop. Next, touch the surface of the tofu and see if it feels sticky. If you are still unsure, taste a small piece of the tofu before cooking it. Spit it out if it tastes bad.
How Long Does Tofu Last?
Tofu keeps surprisingly well, but it’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidance on its expiry date when you purchase the tofu. Aim to use it up before this date. In general, you have about two months to do this, which should be plenty of time – but the more quickly you use it, the less chance there is that it will get forgotten and go off.
However, once you have opened the tofu, you need to use it up far more quickly. Opened tofu will generally only last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge, and it will need to be stored in an airtight container. Transfer it from its original packaging, with its water, into a new container and keep the lid on. This should help to ensure it lasts well.
Most commercially-sold tofu needs to be kept in the fridge, not at room temperature, even before the tofu has been opened. However, there are some shelf-stable tofus available. Refer to the expiry date for these, but be aware that it’s commonly around 6 months or even longer. If you open it and find it has gone yellow, do not eat it.
Although tofu should have a long shelf life, you should also depend on your senses to determine whether the tofu is safe to eat or not. If it looks, smells, or tastes strange, it’s safer to discard it than to risk eating it. Moldy tofu will carry harmful bacteria, and these could make you very sick if you eat them.
Why Is Tofu Stored In Water?
The water that tofu comes in is important for storage because it stops the tofu from drying out. Dried-out tofu tends to turn yellow or brown, and it won’t have a good flavor or texture. You should store the tofu in the water it came in, even if you transfer it to another container because this helps to keep it fresh.
You will drain the water away before cooking the tofu, and in some cases, you’ll need to squeeze it out. This should only be done when you are ready to cook it, however; the tofu should stay in the water until that point.
Conclusion
If your tofu has turned yellow, you should not eat it. Tofu should be a creamy white color throughout, and any sign of darkening or discoloration is a sign that it has started to decay. Check the expiry date, but use your senses to determine whether the tofu is safe to eat.
