Tofu misozuke – the vegan cheese
Tofu misozuke. Image courtesy of Rau Om
Every Saturday in Sunnyvale and every Sunday in Palo Alto, Oanh sets up the tables. She hangs a white banner with a simplified lavender elephant and the word “Rau Om” in calligraphic green, and a poster featuring a little mouse prancing with a block of tofu on his back, with the word “Mice eat Rau Om’s Tofu Misozuke” below. Then she arranges dozens of little bamboo and plastic wrap packets on the table, each containing a block of tofu in beige paper, about as big as a match box. Then she’s ready for the Farmers Market. And the tofu is ready to be sold out, every last one of them.
Over two years of experimenting, Oanh says, including lots of PubMed searching, an 18th century manuscript in old Japanese, and who knows how many pounds of firm tofu. It all started with an accidental find in Tokyo’s night food scene in 2009, and here they are, at a Californian Farmers Market, offering a Japanese elder a taste that brings her decades back home. It’s like the tofu has achieved its American dream.
When I first had my tongue on Rau Om’s tofu misozuke at one of Oanh’s dinners, I thought wow, this stuff feels like La Vache qui Rit. It’s exactly that texture, that kind of tender springiness of a creamy cheese that bounces when you touch and has no resistance when you cut, the kind of softness on the verge of melting, like that of a 64°C slow-poached egg yolk. When the taste starts to register, like a tenth of a second later, it’s a whole different affair. There’s some brininess, some tingling sensation, but there’s no fat. It’s a creamy cheese that isn’t at all fatty, naturally, because it’s a vegan cheese. The brininess comes from the miso, and the tingling sensation comes from the sake. A few seconds deeper is the soothing sweetness of soy and sugar.
I fell for it. I know I’m going to sound like a tofu freak now, one that might as well protest for the civil right of the tofu and occupy the supermarket because soy is the 99%, but this meat lover is gonna say it: tofu is a really freaking awesome invention in food history. If people say it tastes plain with a frown, I say they don’t know how to appreciate the “plain” taste. That’s the taste of water and steamed rice, the flat tone in music, and the white space in photography. It’s better than good, it’s a necessity. When I’m tired, I crave exactly that taste. Then there are a hundred ways to make tofu depart from plaindom. And the Rau Om couple succeeded splendidly in one of them: make tofu into tofu cheese (tofeese? :D).
Oanh and Dang also let me try a wedge of kombu-wrapped tofu. The kombu attenuates the miso saltiness and promotes the aged sweetness. The kombu tofu misozuke is one level deeper than the tofu misozuke. I was hoping to buy it last time, but:
FlavorBoulevard: Did you wrap this new batch of tofu misozuke in kombu?
Oanh: No. We’ll roll out the kombu-wrapped tofu misozuke in a few months, and it’ll be clearly labeled as such.
FB: What kind of tofu do you use? In your blog, you wrote “firm tofu”, but would you like to elaborate?
Oanh: We are buying regular tofu from the supermarkets. A to do item for us is to look for a local source for tofu.
FB: What about the miso?
Oanh: One of the first recipes we found specified white or yellow miso. We did some experiments with other types of miso and found the results less than satisfactory, with all the caveats that come with a negative result.
FB: How long does each batch take?
Oanh: The miso flavor permeates the tofu almost immediately, but to get to the right creamy texture, it takes at least 2 months.
FB: How long can the tofu stay good (refrigerated) after packaging?
Oanh: About a month.
FB: Currently the tofu misozuke is marked at $7/packet (2.5-3.0 oz). Based on what standard did you set the price? Are you worried that it might be a bit high for the general market?
Oanh: The price is as affordable as we can make it given the production costs and is at a comparable level to other artisanal hand-made cheeses. Like fine cheeses, the process of making tofu misozuke is labor intensive, both during the initial production and regularly during the aging process which lasts at least 2 months. That’s not even counting our research cost, which we figured was just part of our food budget, the price of our food obsession.
FB: Can it be used in cooking, like in soup or pizza? Or salad? Would the flavor diminish in the process?
Oanh: Yes, it’s definitely can be used in cooking. The flavor is intense enough to stand up to the cooking process. We once used it in a squash blossom & beef dish. We definitely can see it work in salad. We had a post a while back about some of the uses of tofu misozuke. We’ve also used it in place of chao (Vietnamese fermented tofu) to make duck hot pot, and we recently found out that it worked very well with prosciutto.
Tofu misozuke package. Image courtesy of Rau Om
In the States, you can’t find this kind of vegan cheese anywhere but the Rau Om online store and their Farmers Market tents. Or you can spend 2 months making it at home, following Rau Om’s recipe, assuming that you succeed on the first try. I wouldn’t. Rau Om’s tofu misozuke, in its offwhite color and handmade packaging, is very Hollywood-girl-next-door from appearance to content: her hairdo doesn’t sparkle, but once you know her, you fall helplessly in love, especially if you are any of the followings: tofu aficionado, cheese aficionado, vegan, and foodie.
Basically, tofu misozuke can be used anywhere cheese and soybean paste can be used, but as my friend Masaaki Yamato says, that would be like using caviar to make soup. A wise man would enjoy tofu misozuke alone with an ochoko of sake, and let his senses fly.
(UPDATE: I enjoy it with genmaicha, or a sweet oolong ;-))
DISCLAIMER: I received no free product or monetary gift in exchange for this review.
I think other site proprietors should take this site as an model, very clean and great user genial style and design, as well as the content. You’re an expert in this topic!
1Hello! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
2Hello, you used to write magnificent, but the last several posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your great writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!
3As I website owner I conceive the articles here is rattling good, thanks for your efforts.
4There are actually a lot of particulars like that to take into consideration. That may be a great level to convey up. I provide the ideas above as basic inspiration however clearly there are questions like the one you deliver up where the most important factor might be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if greatest practices have emerged round issues like that, however I’m certain that your job is clearly identified as a good game. Both girls and boys feel the impression of just a second’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
5You can definitely see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.
6Merely wanna remark on few general things, The website layout is perfect, the written content is really fantastic : D.
7Outstanding post, you have pointed out some wonderful details , I also think this s a very wonderful website.
8After examine a couple of of the blog posts in your website now, and I actually like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and shall be checking back soon. Pls check out my website online as effectively and let me know what you think.
9fantastic points altogether, you simply won a new reader. What could you suggest in regards to your publish that you simply made a few days ago? Any positive?
10Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a good portion of people will miss your wonderful writing because of this problem.
11We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content in your case? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write related to here. Again, awesome weblog!
12Howdy! I just want to give a huge thumbs up for the good information you could have right here on this post. I will probably be coming again to your weblog for extra soon.
13This design is steller! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
14After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
15My spouse and I stumbled over here different web address and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to going over your web page yet again.
16I’ve recently started a site, the information you offer on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.
17I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
18Hi, i think that i saw you visited my blog thus i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
19Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
20I payy a quik visit daily some sites and websites to rread posts, but thks
21web site presenhts feature based content. xnxx
밤토끼가 어떤 사이트였는지, 과거 이력과 현재 검색 정보를 구분하는 방법을 정리했습니다. 예전에 보던 웹툰 찾기, 공식 연재처 확인, 무료 회차와 대여·소장 차이, 자주 묻는 질문까지 한 번에 확인하세요.
22밤토끼가 어떤 사이트였는지, 과거 이력과 현재 검색 정보를 구분하는 방법을 정리했습니다. 예전에 보던 웹툰 찾기, 공식 연재처 확인, 무료 회차와 대여·소장 차이, 자주 묻는 질문까지 한 번에 확인하세요.
23포항오피 검색어의 맥락과 온라인 정보 확인 기준을 정리했습니다. 광고성 표현과 후기의 출처, 게시물의 최신성, 개인정보 보호 방법, 포항 공공정보와 자주 묻는 질문을 확인하세요.
24포항오피 검색어의 맥락과 온라인 정보 확인 기준을 정리했습니다. 광고성 표현과 후기의 출처, 게시물의 최신성, 개인정보 보호 방법, 포항 공공정보와 자주 묻는 질문을 확인하세요.
25An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
26Some times its a pain in the ass to read what people wrote but this web site is real user pleasant! .
27I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?
28so much superb info on here, :D.
29Rattling instructive and fantastic structure of articles, now that’s user genial (:.
30I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks
31I believe other website proprietors should take this site as an example , very clean and great user pleasant style and design.
32You need to take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will advocate this web site!
33Superb site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get feedback from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thank you!
34You made some good points there. I looked on the internet for the issue and found most persons will approve with your site.
35I was suggested this website by my cousin. I am not positive whether this publish is written by way of him as nobody else realize such specific about my difficulty. You are incredible! Thank you!
36You could definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart. “Man is the measure of all things.” by Protagoras.
37What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Good job.
38소액결제현금화의 의미와 수수료 계산, 실제 부담액을 확인하세요. 휴대폰 결제 한도와 통신요금 청구, 관련 법령, 취소·환불 및 피해 대응까지 공식 자료를 바탕으로 정리했습니다.
39소액결제현금화의 의미와 수수료 계산, 실제 부담액을 확인하세요. 휴대폰 결제 한도와 통신요금 청구, 관련 법령, 취소·환불 및 피해 대응까지 공식 자료를 바탕으로 정리했습니다.
40부산여성전용마사지 부산토닥이 드디어 부산 상륙 NO.1 부산 최대 규모 관리사들 항시 대기중 24시 연중무휴
41I don’t usually comment but I gotta state regards for the post on this great one :D.
42Some truly interesting information, well written and loosely user genial.
43Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such great information being shared freely out there.
44Thank you for another wonderful article. Where else could anyone get that type of info in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.
45Somebody essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular publish amazing. Magnificent job!
46Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
47I think you have mentioned some very interesting details , thanks for the post.
48The subsequent time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to learn, however I actually thought youd have one thing fascinating to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you could repair in case you werent too busy in search of attention.
49You are my inspiration , I have few blogs and infrequently run out from to brand : (.
50