1. How is tofu made?
Traditionally, tofu is made by soaking, crushing, and cooking soybeans into a soymilk
or "slurry"; then adding a coagulant (usually calcium sulfate or calcium chloride and
GDL). The soymilk coagulates into a large block of tofu that is cut into smaller blocks
and packed in water-filled tubs.
Mori-Nu however has brought tofu into the new millennium by inventing a patented
"aseptic" system that removes light, air, and bacteria from the picture. In this process,
the soybeans are crushed, and the rich slurry is pasteurized and poured into the package.
A small amount of gluconolactone and calcium chloride is added to the soymilk. The box is
then hermetically sealed and the tofu forms inside - where it is continuously protected from
light, air, and microoganisms that cause spoilage. The result? A 100% guaranteed pure product
that tastes as fresh as the day it was made.
2. What is gluconolactone (GDL) and is it gluten-free?
Gluconolactone (GDL) is a
gluten-free, fermented food starch derived from corn. Once processed into a pure white,
crystalline powder, it carries none of the characteristics of corn. It has been used to make
cottage cheese and bread for many years. The final product can be found in its natural state
in bee's honey. When a small amount is mixed with calcium chloride, these salts act to coagulate
the soymilk into creamy silken tofu.
3. Why does the Mori-Nu package say "Do Not Freeze"? I thought you could freeze tofu to
give it a more "meat-like" texture.
Yes, you can freeze and thaw Mori-Nu Tofu to give
it a more dense, chewy, and meat-like texture. After freezing at least 48 hours, tofu has a
texture similar to a fish filet, chicken breast, or red meat. The instructions on the package
"Do Not Freeze" mean that you should not freeze the tofu INSIDE THE PACKAGE ITSELF. The package
could swell and burst in the freezer, creating a big mess.
For best freezing results: First remove Mori-Nu Tofu from the package.
Slice lengthwise in 1/4-inch thick strips and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the freezer for a
few days (at least 24 hours). We recommend preparing and freezing several packages-worth at once.
Then you can thaw as needed like frozen cutlets. When you thaw these tofu "cutlets" in the microwave
or in warm water, the ice will fall off, leaving a tofu that has a meat-like appearance. Marinate in
any thick sauce (like teriyaki, sweet & sour, or barbecue sauce), then broil, bake, or even grill
on the BBQ!
The longer Mori-Nu Tofu is frozen, the better the results will be. However, we do not recommend
eating tofu that has been frozen for more than 60 days.
4. How is "silken" tofu different from the spongier Chinese-style tofu?
Long ago, the tofu (called "kinugoshi") of the emperor and royal court required special
preparation by skilled Japanese artisans. The result was a delicately-flavored tofu with
a texture so smooth and creamy, it seemed to have been strained through silk.
Today, the texture of silken tofu is generally smoother and creamier and its water content
is slightly higher than dense, spongy tub tofu (or "momen" in Japanese). You can use extra firm
silken tofu for stir-fry, but you can also blend the firm or soft versions of Mori-Nu for creamy
and delicious smoothies, shakes, desserts, dips, and sauces. Or crumble the firm tofu into eggless
scrambles or pasta fillings.
5. Why the little box?
The "little box" we use (made under a joint patent by Tetra-Pak and Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
of Japan) is better known as the box that holds kids' juices. But it is really a wonder of science.
It was voted the "#1 food science innovation of the past 50 years" by the prestigious Institute of Food
Technologists in Chicago.
The IFT praises the package because it helps in the "retention of nutrients and flavor" and "protects
from bacterial contamination." In short, it locks in the good and locks out the bad. Mori-Nu is proud
to be one of the pioneers in this "Technology of the New Millennium." The landmark Tellus Study found
aseptic packaging to be a most "earth friendly" form of packaging. The weight of the package is far less
than the weight of the food inside. The package preserves the food entirely so there is no spoilage or waste.
The package also does not need to be refrigerated, therefore reducing the use of refrigerants overall.
6. How long can I keep Mori-Nu in the unopened box?
Mori-Nu Tofu has a shelf-life of one year.
The "best used by" date printed on the package represents one year to the day after it was made. That is,
a package marked best used by "DEC 31 05" was made on December 31, 2004. We do not recommend eating Mori-Nu
Silken Tofu after the "best used by" date.
You do not need to refrigerate Mori-Nu Tofu until the package is opened. For best results, store in a cool,
dry place like your pantry or cupboard.
7. I bought Mori-Nu Tofu from the refrigerated section of my store.
Can I still store it in the pantry or cupboard at home?
Some retailers stock Mori-Nu Silken Tofu in the refrigerated section next to the other tofu that requires
refrigeration. The location is just for convenience, so shoppers can find all the tofu (or soyfoods) in
one spot. If you buy Mori-Nu Tofu from a refrigerated section, you may still store it at home in your
pantry or cupboard until opened.
8. How long can I keep Mori-Nu after opening the box?
Refrigerate any unused portions promptly in an airtight container and use within 2-3 days maximum.
You should not cover Mori-Nu Tofu with water. As a source of protein, tofu is highly perishable
once removed from the airtight package. To avoid foodborne illness, we do not recommend eating
leftover tofu after 3 days.
9. What different types of tofu do you have?
Original Silken Tofu (Soft, Firm, and Extra Firm)
Silken Lite Tofu (Firm)
Organic Silken Tofu (Firm)
Seasoned Tofu (Chinese Spice and Japanese Miso)
Extra Firm can be used for stir-fry, Firm works well for scramblers and desserts, and Soft is great for dips and smoothies. Lite is mild in flavor and low in calories (30) and fat (only 1 gram) per serving. Use Lite in place of original varieties in any recipe. Blend Lite with Mori-Nu Mates Pudding Mix for irresistible low-fat desserts. Every texture is suitable for an endless list of recipes!
10. Where can I buy Mori-Nu?
For a list of health food stores that may carry Mori-Nu products,
please visit the following page: http://www.morinu.com/product/WhereToBuy.html
Scroll to the bottom and click on your state's 2-letter abbreviation
for a list of stores by zip code.
Most fine health food stores (not pill or supplement shops, but stores that actually stock food items)
carry Mori-Nu products. A growing number of supermarkets also carry Mori-Nu in the produce or natural
department. We're sorry, but we are not always able to tell you exactly where Mori-Nu products are sold.
We sell our products via brokers and distributors who in turn sell to retailers. Ask the store manager
for "Mori-Nu" products by name and more often than not, your store will carry them. If they don't, ask
the store manager to order for you. Retailers may call us at (800) 669-8638 for a list of distributors.
11. Where can I get more of your recipes?
From the home page, click on the Recipes link. You may also join the FREE Mori-Nu Recipe Club for access
to even more online recipes. Visit our Mori-Nu e-Shop for cookbooks and videos full of great recipes.
Or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Mori-Nu Tofu, 2441 West 205th St. #C102, Torrance, CA 90501
and ask for our free recipes and coupons. You'll also receive an order form for books, cookbooks, and videos.
If you prefer, you can call (800) 669-8638 to order any of our products using your Visa or Mastercard.
12. What's all this new soy research about?
In October 1999, the FDA authorized the use of a health claim on food products like Mori-Nu Silken Tofu
that contain soy protein. Scientific studies show that eating 25 grams of soy protein daily, along
with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering blood
cholesterol levels.
For years university studies have shown a positive connection between the consumption of soyfoods and
the reduction of the risk of heart disease and the hardening of arteries. The substitution of vegetable
protein (from soybeans) for animal protein can do much to reduce the clogging of our arteries. Not only
is soy protein free of any cholesterol itself, it also helps to reduce the cholesterol that has accumulated
in our bodies from other sources (mainly from dairy and animal fat). In addition, studies into diabetes have
also revealed a positive impact against this disease by substituting the soy protein of tofu for animal proteins.
More recent studies into sub-nutrients like soy isoflavones have established a strong connection between the
consumption of soyfoods and the reduction of the risk of many types of cancer. This research is ongoing -- but it is
encouraging to realize that in China, Japan, and all other tofu consuming countries, people suffer only 10% of the
cancer and heart disease we suffer from here in the USA. In addition, in Japan, there is no word for the term "hot
flash" -- the symptoms of menopause are almost non-existent! So, a serving of tofu or two each day is certainly well
advised. Now some studies are even showing that the calcium loss leading to osteoporosis can be reduced with a diet
high in soy isoflavones. There's always been a good reason for eating tofu.
13. What is the total soy isoflavone level in tofu?
Like most tofu, Mori-Nu contains about 15-30 mg of total soy isoflavones per serving.
(Note: The FDA has set the serving size as 3 ounces, about 1/4 of a box of Mori-Nu, but most of our regular Mori-Nu
customers eat an average of 1/2 box per day in scrambles, smoothies, or stir-fry.) Keep in mind that every crop of
soybeans varies naturally in its level of isoflavones - making it difficult to state isoflavone levels with complete
accuracy.
14. Food safety: contaminants, bacteria, and pesticides
Tofu, like all moist protein, is considered to be "potentially hazardous" by the FDA unless it is packaged carefully
and kept under refrigeration. In Japan, the tofu is thrown out if it becomes even two or three days old! That's because
the Japanese are serious about fresh tofu and they know that spoiled tofu can ruin your whole day.
Here in the United States, tofu is distributed sometimes thousands of miles from where it was made. Even tofu that
has been pasteurized at the factory can go bad in transit or on the shelf. That's why Mori-Nu uses aseptic packaging.
We know that this vital food is vulnerable to bacterial contamination and spoilage from contact with light or air.
So we use the very best in modern packaging and processing techniques. At our factory, we test every day to ensure
each package of Mori-Nu Tofu is 100% pure and free of bacteria and contaminants. Our long-time customers have learned
to trust Mori-Nu and the tofu we make.
15. How can I learn more?
If you live in the continental USA, we will mail you a video that will tell you all about the Mori-Nu difference.
Just send $4 for shipping and handling to Mori-Nu, 2441 West 205th St. #C102, Torrance, CA 90501.
16. How much tofu should I consume each day?
In Japan and throughout much of Asia, tofu is consumed on a daily basis. The FDA uses 3 ounces (85 grams) as a suggested
serving size here in the USA; but this is because, meat, another protein source, traditionally uses this serving size.
Obviously, meat has a much higher fat and calorie level. In the case of tofu, where the calorie and fat levels are much
lower, many health professionals believe six ounces (about half a package of Mori-Nu Tofu) a day is fine. At Mori-Nu,
we believe a well-rounded diet -- including soyfoods and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables -- is a healthy diet.
If you have questions about the diet that best suits you and your lifestyle, please consult your personal physician.
17. I've heard that tofu is hard to digest - Is that true?
Pure soy flour or soybeans themselves can be more difficult to digest because of certain elements in the bean itself.
But tofu and other processed soyfoods are far easier to digest. In fact, many long-time Mori-Nu users say that they never
have a problem with Mori-Nu. This may be due to the coagulant we use. Food scientists tell us that the gluconolactone we
use transforms into a form of glucose in the human digestive tract and this may aid in better digestion.
18. I've heard a lot of positive things about tofu, but lately
I hear some negative things about soy. What are the facts?
Tofu was one of the first processed foods known to humans. It has been consumed for well over a thousand years.
It has stood the test of time and gained a well-deserved reputation in Asian medical and culinary circles.
With reports lately about soy's health benefits, some people believe more of a good thing would be better.
Not necessarily so! Many companies are trying to pack higher numbers of soy isoflavones into pricey supplement
pills. Some soy research indicates that mega-doses of isoflavones may not be advised. In contrast, the natural
"plant estrogen" in soybeans (and thus tofu) is found in small amounts and is quite weak. We believe the best
way to get nutrients and sub-nutrients is the natural way - in foods like tofu that have proven safe and effective
over centuries of use.
19. Which Mori-Nu products are gluten-free?
For those seeking gluten-free products, we have good news!
The following Mori-Nu products are gluten-free:
All Mori-Nu Silken Tofu
Mori-Nu Mates Chocolate Pudding Mix (Chocolate, Lemon Creme, and Vanilla)
20. Where is Mori-Nu Tofu made?
All Mori-Nu Tofu is made in the USA, near Portland, Oregon. All of the ingredients are from the United States except the gluconolactone that is made in France from non genetically modified corn starch.
21. What is the shelf life guaranteed for food products sold in the online store at morinu.com?
We guarantee at least a six (6) month shelf-life on all food products sold in the online store at morinu.com.
22. What if I need to return or request a refund for products purchased in the online store at morinu.com?
Please visit the following page for details: Returns & Refunds
We hope these answers have been helpful for you!
