Tofu skin, one common ingredient often found in Chinese cuisine and used a lot during the current vegetarian festival, made headlines just recently when it was reported that fake tofu skin was being sold in some rural markets, and even in Chinatown.
In Chinatown, bags of tofu skin are often hung from the ceiling to keep it removed from water and moisture.
Tofu skin is usually sold dried and it can be broken easily into smaller flakes. However, the news said that what was being sold was akin to plastic. As a test, someone tried burning what they suspected to be fake tofu skin. The smell was said to mirror burning rubber.
Asst Prof Jessada Denduangboripant, a lecturer in biology from Chulalongkorn University, offered a differing opinion, that the fake tofu skin claim could be a hoax. It actually costs more to use rubber or leather to imitate tofu skin compared with the actual soy bean, which already comes at a low price.
Burning is also not a recommended method of testing, he said. Lab work is usually required as a standard procedure.
The soya product is a good source of protein and it can therefore used as a protein substitute when many are abstaining from eating animal products during the current vegetarian festival.
There are two types of tofu skin: fresh and dried. While fresh tofu skin is usually sold in the refrigerated section in supermarkets, the dried version is easier to find in the dried goods section in general stores. The dried skins are usually soaked in water first before cooked.
On Yaowarat Road in Chinatown -- a mecca of ingredients for Chinese cuisine -- tofu skin can be found in shops that sell Chinese spices and other dried goods like fish maw and dried shrimp. It is a common sight to see pre-packaged dried tofu skin packed in clear plastic, tied with a rubber band hanging from a ceiling in alley shops. The average price is about 100 baht per 500g.
Asst Prof Anadi Nitithamyong, deputy director for policy and planning at the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, said that, while there's no distinction between the tofu skin sold in small Chinese shops or supermarkets, hygiene still remains a top priority.
"If the tofu skin come in packages, always check for an FDA stamp and expiry date. But, for outside shops, check if there's any dust on it or a musty smell. Newly-dried tofu skin also feels very crunchy. It breaks apart easily," said Anadi.
Bad storage could lead to moisture building up, which may result in a change in colour, odour or even allow for mould to grow on it. Good tofu skin shouldn't be too white or yellow in colour. Buying it from a trustworthy store is also one way to avoid getting the wrong product.
"Be careful of things that are priced too cheaply," warned Patchara Klaewkla, project co-ordinator at the Foundation for Consumers. "And if you buy from street-side shops, you have to understand that you're buying straight from the people, not from registered producers or factories [with FDA and Good Manufacturing Practice or GMP stamps]. It's a joint responsibility, really, as you also choose to buy from them."
After purchasing, the tofu skin should be stored properly. For fresh skin, store it in a refrigerator and consume before the expiration date. For dried skin, keep it in a dry, airtight container and use only in portions.
During this vegetarian festival which ends tomorrow, many consumers are visiting restaurants that serve meat-free food, both to please they body's health as well as the conscious mind. Even street food carts now have jae yellow flags. Aside from choosing the right raw ingredients for a home-cooked meal, consumers should also watch out for places to eat this week. Stories of finding vegetarian dishes being contaminated with traces of meat are nothing new.
"Pay attention to the things you're about to eat and always ask for their details," said Patchara, "Is what you're eating really what you believe it to be? Do the chefs also eat vegetarian food? Some people do change the stuff they're cooking or selling all the time. They may not fully understand what the whole jae concept really entails."
Should consumers encounter any problems, Patchara suggested they report it to relevant authorities and organisations. Many consumers now opt to complaining about their finds on social media, attributing what they experienced to be a daily mishap. But that's not solving anyone's problems. If the press don't pick up on the story, the issue is dropped and such restaurants will continue selling vegetarian food that isn't actually meat-free.
"It's better to make one report rather than to complain a thousand times," said Patchara.
Tofu skin being soaked in a bowl of hot water.
Tofu skin can be found in many Chinese and vegetarian cuisines. They are often used as a wrap for minced meat, which is then cooked by steaming or frying to create that mouthwatering dish.
