It can be a terrible experience to wake one morning only to find out the tofu you left out overnight has gotten bad. With the growing rate at which people are embracing tofu, trust me I know nobody wants their tofu to get spoilt.
Tofu which is made from coagulated soy milk is the perfect source of protein for vegans. It also contains other nutrients like iron, calcium, fiber, fat, and carbs. Tofu is easy to make at home and especially with store-bought soy milk.
However, even though this meal is very versatile and nutritious it is still essential to know how to preserve and keep them fresh. Depending on the temperature conditions tofu can last for weeks. But can you leave the tofu to sit overnight?
No, it will be a terrible idea to leave out tofu overnight. Tofu shouldn’t be left out a room temperature for more than 2 hours. Any time after that, the tofu will get bad. However, this also depends on whether the tofu is raw or has been cooked.
Tofu is delicious and the best substitute for vegans or vegetarians but there are rules to keeping them fresh and safe for consumption. To avoid spoilage and having to trash your tofu, this article is right for you.
What Happens If I Leave Tofu Overnight?
Leaving tofu out for too long especially overnight can make it unsafe to eat. While tofu is not properly stored in the fridge or freezer, it could get bad or spoilt. It gives room for bacteria to grow on the tofu. These bacteria on the other hand are responsible for food poisoning.
However, tofu is only allowed to sit out for as long as 1-2 hours max anything above the timeline is unacceptable except if it is put in the fridge. As the tofu can get contaminated by toxic organisms, that can go undetected and cause you to fall sick.
If you want to ensure that tofu doesn’t get bad be sure to store them properly. You can put them in the refrigerator or freezer, and if this is not an option, you can store them in an airtight bag and put them in a bowl of ice water as this can preserve them better than just leaving them at room temperature.
Is It Safe To Eat Tofu Left Out Overnight?
Sometimes mistakes happen and you forget to store your tofu properly. you may begin to wonder if they are still safe to eat. Some may not experience issues when they eat bad tofu while others with very sensitive stomachs can get sick from eating them.
Below are some of the risks associated with eating bad tofu;
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea.
Tofu that was left overnight and has gotten spoilt, is not safe for consumption. Food poisoning is one of the common risk factors for eating bad tofu. For this reason, it is best to store tofu properly.
Best Ways To Store Tofu
Tofu like every other perishable meal must be stored adequately to avoid spoilage. And most times leaving tofu at room temperature overnight doesn’t do it any good. Want to keep your tofu fresh and preserved for long? You might try these methods;
1. The Refrigerator Method
You will not have to worry about your tofu getting spoilt in the fridge or refrigerator. However, you might ensure that you keep the tofu in an airtight container.
Add some clean water into the bowl or container as well as this would help maintain the moisture of the tofu. Make sure to change the water once daily to eliminate any risks of bacteria contamination.
2. The Freezer Method
Some people may not go for this method but is actually the best as it preserves the tofu longer than when it is in the fridge. Nonetheless, the freezer method is best for the firm or very firm tofu (it may not do well for the softer kinds).
While using this method it would be better to cut the tofu into smaller bits rather than keep it frozen in a block. You can also thaw it in the fridge whenever you are ready to eat the tofu.
Tofu Shelf Life In Different Temperatures
The shelf life of tofu depends on if it is packaged or unpackaged. Below is a table illustration of the shelf life of tofu;
1. Packaged Tofu
| Temperature | Shelf Life |
| Counter | 2 hours |
| Fridge | 5-7 days |
| Freezer | 2-3 months |
2. Unpackaged Tofu
Temperature | Shelf Life |
| Counter | 45-60 minutes |
| Fridge | 2-3 days |
| Freezer | 2- 3 months |
Conclusion
Tofu as versatile and nutritious as possible can not be left out overnight without proper storage.
This is because tofu can get contaminated or infested by harmful bacteria and parasites that are responsible for food poisoning.
Left tofu or cooked tofu should not be left to sit out for more than 2 hours. Instead of leaving it at the counter, you can put it in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container to increase the shelf by days or months, depending on the storage method being adopted.
