Tofu (minus) Refrigeration (equals) ??? (Is it okay?)
Posted by rainbowfairywings on Dec 27, 2006 · Member since Sep 2006 · 33 posts
My unopened container of Firm Tofu was left on the counter for 24 hours.
When I found it again, I popped it in the freezer.
Will it still be okay to eat?? Or do I have to pitch it or something?
You know, I've been pretty reckless with tofu before (keeping it past the expiration date, leaving it out, etc.) and have never had an incident. I think I read that if the liquid has gone cloudy, then it is no good anymore, but that has never happened. If it were me, I would give it a sniff, check for cloudiness, and taste a little bit. If it passes those tests, I would say it is ok.
I second the sniff test. I'm pretty daring with foodstuffs, and haven't gotten sick yet. I would think that since the container was unopened you'll be fine. If it smells weird, definately get rid of it. Otherwise, just cook it for quite a while so it gets really hot.
You know you're in trouble with tofu if you open the package and the liquid is kind of slippery to the touch, like slime. Other than that, it will smell if it goes off.
Our local Asian grocery is having some kind of trouble bringing in tofu, I bought their last package of soft tofu and when I opened it I did wonder for just a second if it was fresh, but it seemed OK. I rinsed it off well and baked it in my Dressed Up Eggplant (hot oven for 45 min) and even tho I made too much and had to keep the leftovers around for a couple of days in the fridge, it was fine. No problems.
But I was in there yesterday and still no more tofu...it's been a month now. Sigh! How quickly we get used to good things.
I agree with the others - if the liquid is clear, isn't slimy or stinky then it should be ok. Also feel the tofu - if there's a slimy film on it then toss it. ;)
I must be pretty daring when it comes to eating tofu. I have eaten tofu where there has been some slime on it but I have never gotten sick. I have also drank soy milk for 2 weeks past its expiration date without having an incident. I HATE wasting food! Your tofu should be ok for consumption! ;)
i accidently left tofu out for four days while on vacation. i ate it because i was drunk and didn't care if i got sick (great logic, right?) and i was okay.
Thanks guys!
I guess the tofu producers I usually get mine from are pretty accurate about picking their expiration dates, because I've popped open a few containers literally hours after their expiration dates have passed, and they always smell rank to me. Maybe it's a psychological thing, just knowing that they're old. But I swear, mine expire the second the package says it does. :P
As far as accidentally leaving it out, again, I did have one package go pretty gross after I did this; but mine wasn't left out so much as "really improperly refrigerated." :P (poorly iced cooler.) Anyway, yeah, just give it a good whiff; if it smells ok, you're probably good to go.