Why does stinky tofu smell? What are the hazards of stinky tofu?

Stinky tofu is a kind of snack and delicacy that we often see on the streets. It is quite addictive to eat. It smells very bad from a distance, but it is quite fragrant when you pick it up and eat it. This is mainly because it contains a compound called hydrogen sulfide, which has a pungent smell. At the same time, after the protein is decomposed, amino acids are also produced, and amino acids have a delicious taste. Then let's see if we can eat more stinky tofu?

Contents of this article

1. Why does stinky tofu smell bad?

2. What are the hazards of stinky tofu?

3. What should you pay attention to when eating stinky tofu?

4. Who should not eat stinky tofu?

5. Can you still eat stinky tofu if it turns yellow?

Why does stinky tofu smell bad?

1. Fermentation produces a bad smell. Fermented stinky tofu is made from high-quality soybeans and goes through multiple processes including soaking, grinding, filtering, brine soaking, early fermentation, and late fermentation. It usually takes 2-3 months to make. During this fermentation process, the protein in the stinky tofu is decomposed by the action of protease, and the sulfur amino acids it contains are also fully hydrolyzed to produce a compound called hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This compound has a pungent smell. At the same time, after the protein is decomposed, amino acids are also produced, and amino acids have a delicious taste. Therefore, stinky tofu smells bad but tastes delicious.

2. Stinky brine produces a bad smell. Some workshops use stinky brine to make stinky tofu. This is a special brine for making stinky tofu, which is made by biological fermentation. The bacteria and mold in the stinky tofu made with stinky brine will decompose the protein in the tofu, making the original tofu tissue loose and emitting a bad smell.

3. The odor produced by stinky essence. In addition, some small workshops use stinky essence to soak stinky tofu. This is a method of using ferrous sulfate, sodium sulfide, borax and other substances to color and flavor tofu. However, the stinky tofu made by this method is extremely harmful to human health and should be avoided.

What are the hazards of stinky tofu

1. Carcinogenic

During the processing of stinky tofu, nitrosamines will be produced, which is a common carcinogen. In addition, some unscrupulous vendors may use chemical methods to make stinky tofu, which can cause great harm to the body.

2. Stimulate the stomach and intestines

Stinky tofu is made under natural conditions and is therefore easily contaminated by microorganisms. If you eat too much, it will irritate your stomach and intestines and cause gastrointestinal diseases.

3. Impact on the nervous system

During the production process of stinky tofu, botulinum toxin will multiply in it. Botulinum toxin is a deadly bacteria. When people ingest and absorb this toxin, it will damage the human nervous system and cause symptoms such as dizziness and difficulty breathing.

4. Poor hygiene issues cause various diseases

Nowadays, many stalls selling stinky tofu are selling it themselves, and the sanitary conditions are worrying. Food problems are also emerging one after another, and various problems may arise after eating it.

What should you pay attention to when eating stinky tofu

1. Don’t eat too much at one time.

2. Don’t eat it often.

3. It is best to eat it together with vegetables, fruits and melons to block the formation of nitrosamines.

4. It is best to purchase food from clean merchants with health licenses.

5. Do not eat stinky tofu with special taste or smell.

Who should not eat stinky tofu?

Patients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, gout, kidney disease and gastrointestinal ulcers should eat less or no stinky tofu.

Can I still eat stinky tofu if it turns yellow?

Yes. Even if stinky tofu turns yellow, it is still edible. It is a semi-finished product that has not yet fermented into black, and it can be fried and eaten. However, if the stinky tofu not only turns yellow, but also grows yellow hair, the brine becomes sticky, and emits a foul smell, then this yellow stinky tofu is not edible.