Does hairy tofu mean it has gone bad? Why can we still eat tofu with hair on it?

We all know that tofu is a common soy food. It has a smooth and delicious taste, good flavor, and can be eaten in a variety of ways. It can be made into a variety of delicacies and is very popular among people. Many people eat tofu frequently. Some people buy tofu that is not properly stored and will easily grow hair. So, can tofu with hair still be eaten? Let's take a closer look!

Why does tofu grow hair?

The hair on tofu is caused by the formation of filamentous mycelium by mold during storage due to the appropriate temperature and humidity. If tofu is left for a long time or is contaminated by unclean hands or containers, it will be contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms, and black, gray, green, yellow or red hair will appear, and it cannot be eaten. If tofu has yellow hair, a sour smell, or feels sticky, it is not recommended to eat it.

Can you still eat tofu with hair on it?

It is generally not recommended for consumption.

In fact, there is not only one reason for tofu to grow hair. Sometimes it is not infected by bacteria or dirt. Generally, the hair on tofu is mainly during the storage process. Because the temperature and humidity are relatively suitable, mold "settles down" on the tofu, forming colonies, which are the fluff we see. In fact, as for the growing hair, we can judge it based on the color and appearance. Sometimes, because of dirty hands touching tofu, or the container for storing tofu is not very hygienic, these will lead to the contamination and growth of microorganisms. The color of the hair that grows is generally more "flowery", which may be black hair, green hair, or red spots. This kind of bacteria is definitely not edible, and people will usually get a stomachache if they eat it. If the tofu grows the kind of light yellow hair, and the tofu smells sour and rancid, and it is very sticky when touched by hand, it is recommended not to eat it.

Why can we still eat tofu even though it has hair on it?

Tofu with hair is generally not edible, but there is an exception. If the tofu is in a relatively clean environment, as long as the temperature and humidity meet the requirements, it can also grow those thin and uniform small hairs. This kind of hair is actually Mucor, which is harmless to humans. Many traditional hairy tofu are made in this way. Moreover, the tofu has been fermented by this Mucor, which will make the tofu taste mellower and the nutrients easier to absorb.

Real hairy tofu is a product formed after mold fermentation, also known as moldy tofu. The protein in the moldy tofu is decomposed by mold, which increases the flavor. During the fermentation process, more vitamins will also be produced. Eating this kind of tofu will not cause harm to the human body.