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I have an unopened container of soft tofu that expires on the 27th. I would like to use it for a dessert recipe on NYE (12/31)? Should I freeze it?
Thanks for all advice in advance!
I wouldn't freeze it, freezing tofu causes a huge texture change. I'd probably eat it 4 days after expiration, but I don't have as much experience with soft tofu as firm. My gut says it should be fine as long as it's unopened. "Best by" means just that, best, not inedible.
I saw a recipe to make tofu have a chicken texture that involves freezing and refreezing it (Mary's vegan kitchen on youtube.com maybe?)
Good question about how long tofu lasts after expiration, have wondered that myself too.
You're probably right- http://www.marystestkitchen.com/best-vegan-fried-chicken-gluten-free/
Same, I mostly use extra firm tofu so wasn't sure if soft would pose any issues. General consensus here seems that 4 days is fine.
I’ve had week old tofu with no issues before, I don’t think 4 days would matter as long as it stays refrigerated. Whether or not to freeze would depend on the recipe. If you’re creating something like a crumble it could be okay, but if you’re using silken tofu for something creamy like pudding then I wouldn’t.
The texture change comes from the water expanding when frozen, it creates ice crystals which form small air pockets after thawing. The bigger pockets make a sponge-like texture which allows more water to drain, less water = dryer tofu = less mush and more room for sauce to absorb.
Bottom line, frozen tofu is great for dinner recipes or tofu croutons, not great for silky smooth textures.
It's for a pecan pie recipe, so texture definitely has to remain original.
I tend to freeze extra firm tofu when I use savory recipes for the reasons you mentioned above (it drains/crumbles/absorbs beautifully when thawed out), but was not sure how freezing would affect soft/silken tofus.
My rule of thumb - you can eat it if it's up to 10% of the shelf life past the expiration date
I would personally eat tofu up to a month or so past the expiration date, as long as I had been storing it properly in the fridge. I’m pretty lenient with my expiration dates. I think they’re more about quality than safety.
I've gone a month or so using certain products past date, as long as it smells and tastes OK. Never done so with tofu, though.
How do you know when tofu has gone bad? Does it have a distinctive smell?
Hmm I've never smelled tofu that's gone bad, but I've heard some people describe it as "sour" smelling. I'm familiar enough with the usual smell of tofu that I'd probably just avoid it if it didn't smell normal.
Yes. It smells. You will know.
EDIT: I regularly keep tofu for weeks after the recommended date on the packaging, and I've only had one package of tofu go bad on me. It's possible, but it's rare, and if it happens you will absolutely know.