Live Spring Water Tofu

Live Spring Water Tofu

　　Changshou Live Spring Water Tofu earned its place as one of Chongqing’s renowned local dishes, served at state banquets for Premier Zhou Enlai, other Party and state leaders, and foreign experts.

　　 When Premier Zhou and two vice premiers inspected Changshou Lake, they expressed interest in the name of Changshou County. They asked Ji Junyi, who was then the Secretary of the Changshou County Party Committee, about the origin of the county's name and its notable local specialties. Ji answered each question in detail and specifically introduced Changshou Live Spring Water Tofu to Premier Zhou, humorously adding that eating this tofu could promote health and longevity. As a result, the dish was specially prepared for Premier Zhou and the other guests during the banquet.

　　 Changshou Live Spring Water Tofu is known for its delicate texture, tender consistency, and sweet flavor. Its preparation is highly meticulous: the water used must be fresh, flowing spring or well water (hence the name “live spring” tofu); the soybeans must be large, plump, and fresh; the soy milk must be dehulled, finely ground, filtered, and milky white in color; after boiling, it must be kept at a gentle, constant heat while slowly coagulating; the coagulated curd must be lightly and slowly pressed into a mass to prevent over-hardening; and the seasonings typically include fiery red chili peppers or tender chilies blended with fragrant oil, along with ginger, scallions, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, and MSG.

　　 Live Spring Water Tofu can be eaten fresh or made into various tofu products such as fried tofu, braised tofu, and fermented bean curd. Particularly noteworthy is Changshou Blood Tofu, a unique delicacy made primarily with Live Spring Water Tofu, combined with fresh pork and fresh pig blood, then smoked and roasted. Renowned for its distinctive flavor and rich aroma, it is celebrated alongside Changshou Shatian Pomelo, Changshou Crispy Pastry, and Changshou Summer Orange as one of the region’s four famous local specialties. It makes for an excellent meal or a thoughtful gift for family and friends.