Azumaya® Tofu

What is tofu?
Tofu, also known as soybean curd, is a soft, cheese-like food made by curdling fresh hot soymilk (water & soybeans) with a coagulant, such as calcium-sulfate, magnesium chloride, or glucono delta lactone (GDL).

How is tofu made?
It is similar to the process used for dairy cheese making. The soybeans are soaked overnight, finely ground and cooked in water. This “soymilk” is then filtered to remove all fiber. The curding agents Magnesium Chloride (nigari) and Calcium Sulfate are added. The curds are raked, drained and pressed into blocks and packaged for use.

What textures of Azumaya® tofu are available?
The different textures of tofu range from Extra Firm to Silken. These refer to the density of the tofu curd. The textures, identical in taste, are used for different types of prepared dishes.
Extra Firm – Ideal for stir-frying, broiling, hearty stews and casseroles.
Firm – Perfect for slicing, dicing and pan-frying.
Soft – Great for sauces, soups and salads
Silken – Excellent for use in soups or blended into dressings, dips and creamy desserts. It is a delicate tofu with a custard-smooth consistency.

How is the Best Before Date printed on the front of the container?
First Line: Best Before 09/09/05 = September 9, 2005
Second Line: 08:25 12345 = Time: 8:25am, Consecutive# 12345

What is the shelf life of Azumaya® Tofu – opened and unopened packages?
Azumaya Tofu has a shelf life of 70 days from the date of manufacture, which is represented by the Best Before Date stamped on every package. If the package is unopened and refrigerated, the Azumaya Tofu will last until the Best Before Date. We do not recommend using tofu after the best before date.

Once the package is opened, any leftover Azumaya Tofu should be transferred to an airtight container. The Azumaya Tofu should be submerged under fresh water, whereby the water is changed daily or every other day, and stored covered & refrigerated. Then the Azumaya Tofu will last 3-5 days.

How do I know if the Azumaya® tofu has spoiled?
If the Azumaya Tofu has spoiled, there are generally definite signs. For an unopened package, the package may become bloated due to a pressure building inside. After the package has been opened, if the water is cloudy or murky AND the Azumaya Tofu has a sour smell or taste, the tofu should not be consumed. Cloudy or murky water alone is not a sign of spoilage.

Can Azumaya® Tofu be frozen?
Yes, Azumaya Tofu can be frozen for up to 3 months if these directions are followed:
1. Remove the Azumaya Tofu from its container and drain in a colander.
2. Wrap the Azumay Tofu securely, by itself, in several layers of plastic wrap, or place in an airtight container.
3. Place the Azumaya Tofu in the freezer.

Does AZUMAYA® tofu contain animal products or by-products?
Our AZUMAYA tofu does not contain any animal products or by-products. All of our ingredients are vegan and vegetarian.

Is AZUMAYA® tofu gluten free?
Yes, the AZUMAYA plain tofu is gluten free.

Does AZUMAYA® tofu contain cholesterol?
No, cholesterol is only found in animal products such as meat, dairy and eggs.

What does the heart with the soyleaf represent?
The soy leaf inside the heart represents compliance with the FDA soy health claim. This is a proprietary mark for only Vitasoy-USA branded products. The Silken Tofu products do not carry this trademarked heart as the soy protein level does not meet the FDA guidelines for 6.25 grams.

Azumaya® Pasta

Is Azumaya® pasta a fresh or a dried pasta?
Azumaya pastas are considered refrigerated pastas. They are found in the produce sections of many local supermarkets.

What kind of Azumaya® pastas are produced?
Azumaya pastas come in a wide range to meet just about everyone’s cooking needs. Depending upon what the dish is, the choices of Azumaya pastas are:
Azumaya Large Square Wrappers – perfect for egg rolls, lasagnas, and crepes.
Azumaya Round Wraps – ideal for pot stickers, tortellini and simple desserts.
Azumaya Square Wraps – great for won tons, raviolis, and dumplings.
Azumaya Thin Cut Noodles – Asian style noodles, good for pan-fried dishes such as chow mein, soups, and linguini.

The Azumaya® pastas sound versatile enough to substitute for other pastas – is this possible?
Yes, Azumaya pastas can be substituted for other pastas. Use our Azumaya Large Square Wrappers in place of lasagna noodles when baking lasagna. Use our Azumaya Thin Cut Noodles instead of linguini. In a pinch, Azumaya Round Wraps can be baked as pastry shells for fruit tarts.

What is the shelf life of Azumaya® pastas - opened and unopened?
If the Azumaya pasta is unopened, it has 50-day shelf life from the date of manufacture. Once the package is opened, it is recommended that the Azumaya pastas be used in a one-meal preparation. If the Azumaya pasta cannot be used all at once, transfer any leftover Azumaya pasta to an airtight container and keep refrigerated. This will keep the Azumaya pasta good for 5-7 days.

Can I freeze the Azumaya® pastas instead of refrigerating them?
Yes, you can freeze the Azumaya pastas if you transfer them to an airtight container. This will keep the Azumaya pastas good for up to two months.

If I do not want to deep fry the Azumaya® Wrappers/Wraps, can I bake them?
If a person is looking for a more healthy way of cooking instead of deep frying, they can bake our Azumaya pastas. Follow these easy directions for alternative cooking:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spray non-stick cooking spray on baking sheet. Spray the Azumaya wrappers/Wrap with non-stick cooking spray as well. OR brush sheet and wrappers lightly with oil. Place them on the baking sheet.
3. Bake for a half an hour or until golden brown.

Are Azumaya® pastas Gluten Free?
No, Azumaya pastas are not gluten-free, as we use wheat in our ingredients.

Are the Azumaya® pastas vegetarian?
As the Azumaya pastas contain egg whites, they are considered vegetarian, but not vegan.

Are Azumaya® pastas considered Kosher?
Yes, Azumaya pasta is Circle K Kosher and Pareve.

Are preservatives used in the Azumaya® pastas?
No, we do not use preservatives in our Azumaya pastas.

How can the Azumaya® pasta be spoiled if the Best Before Date is still good?
As with many of our products, Azumaya pastas are perishable items. If the products have been abused, such as temperature abuse, then the products will begin a spoiling process, regardless of the Best Before Date still being current. Temperature regulation and proper storage is HIGHLY important in helping to maintain top quality, fresh products. Another reason for spoilage, including wrappers being stuck together, is too much moisture or condensation in the package. If there are no off flavors, and you can peel the wrappers apart, they are okay to use.

I opened my package of Azumaya® Pasta today and there are white dots on the pasta. Does this mean that the product is spoiled?
In order to keep the pasta from sticking to the packaging and each other, cornstarch is dusted on and in between the Azumaya pasta. If the white dots are uniformly white throughout the package, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. If, however, there are dots of black and/or green, then the Azumaya pasta is spoiled.

What does the Best Before Date look like on the front of the package?
Best If Used Before: 07-14. This signifies July 14th, 2005. (Year is not printed.)