Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu

Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu

Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu is a protected geographical indication product.

　　. "Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu" is a natural microbial mold nurtured by the unique geographical and climatic conditions of Wutongqiao. This mold has a special mellow fragrance and is edible. Its form resembles the downy fuzz of a young goose, with filaments growing upright from the fermented tofu blocks without branching, reaching lengths of about 8–10 centimeters, with the longest up to 12 centimeters. This mold was first discovered in 1938 by a group of veteran scientists from the China Huanghai Chemical Industry Research Institute and was named "Chinese Wutongqiao Mold." A paper written by Fang Xing’ai and Xiao Yonglan was published in Volume 4 of the "Huanghai" magazine that year, causing a sensation in the global microbiology community. Wutongqiao Mold Fermented Tofu stepped onto the international stage and was referred to by foreigners as "Chinese Butter."

　　"Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu" features a creamy yellow color, neat block shapes, and a delicate texture. Known as the "gold of fermented tofu," it melts in your mouth without chewing, offering a rich, fragrant aroma and an unforgettable aftertaste. During the Anti-Japanese War, renowned figures such as Xu Beihong, Zhang Daqian, Feng Zikai, and Feng Yuxiang all considered "Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu" an essential side dish when they were in Wutongqiao. In 1962, when Chairman - tasted "Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu," he praised it endlessly, calling it "a rare delicacy."

　　The production process of "Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu" is meticulous and rigorous, with strict procedures for every step—from grinding the soybean paste, curdling, shaping, steaming the tofu, cutting the tofu, cultivating the mold, to post-fermentation. The selection of materials is also very particular. The resulting tofu blocks are small, with a fine, smooth, and soft texture, pale yellow and translucent in color, deliciously fragrant, and highly nutritious. It stimulates appetite, aids digestion, and is a common food item, as well as a cooking ingredient.

　　 Rich Nutritional Value

　　1. "Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu" contains abundant organic acids and around 15% protein, which is five times that of milk. It is hydrolyzed protein with an absorption rate of up to 92%–96% by the human body, capable of reducing blood cholesterol, preventing arteriosclerosis, improving obesity, and inhibiting aging. 2. The calcium content in "Wutongqiao Mold Fermented Tofu" is three times that of milk, the iron content is 25 times higher, the zinc content is similar to that of milk, while the cholesterol content is almost zero.

　　3. "Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu" contains all kinds of amino acids needed by the human body. Consuming 100g per day can meet the body’s requirement for various amino acids.

　　4. The soy isoflavones in "Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu" can bind with estrogen in the female body, regulating it bidirectionally without side effects, thus earning the name "plant estrogen." At the same time, soy isoflavones can reduce hair loss, promote bone growth, enhance bone density, provide antioxidant benefits, inhibit tyrosine protein kinase activity, improve skin quality, combat aging, prevent osteoporosis, prevent cardiovascular diseases, prevent breast cancer, alleviate menstrual discomfort, prevent senile dementia, and ease menopausal symptoms.

　　5. Over 80% of the fat components in "Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu" are unsaturated fatty acids, which can reduce the adverse effects of saturated fats and lower cholesterol. The content of linoleic acid in the tofu’s fat reaches over 50%, and it contains about 10% α-linolenic acid (a type of W-3 fatty acid with functions similar to deep-sea fish oil EPA and DHA), which can gradually cleanse blood impurities, helping to lower blood lipids and blood pressure.

　　6. "Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu" also contains lecithin, which can improve brain nerve synapses, enhance memory, support learning, and help prevent senile dementia.

　　The production area of Wutongqiao Fermented Tofu covers the current administrative region of Wutongqiao District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province.