Zhengning Tofu

Zhengning Tofu

　　Zhengning soybeans have a high flour yield, and the tofu from here is also very famous. Its main characteristics are its snowy white color and delicate texture. It is tender yet firm, making it ideal for stir-frying—it curls without breaking and holds its shape in soup. Among Zhengning tofu varieties, that from Shanhé Town enjoys the reputation of being the “King of Kings.” Legend has it that one of the Eight Immortals, Zhang Guolao, was from Luochuan Town in Zhengning. Once, he wanted to visit Lu Ban, the patron saint of carpenters, but he didn’t know what to bring as a gift. He looked at the tofu on his workbench and thought, “Lu Ban will surely like a piece of my homemade tofu.” But how to carry it? He recalled the saying, “Trying to lift tofu with a horse’s tail—it’s impossible,” and decided to do just that. So, he pulled a few long hairs from the tail of his donkey, threaded them through a block of tofu, and lifted it with ease. He rode his donkey, holding the reins in one hand and the tofu in the other, and arrived at Lu Ban’s doorstep. Lu Ban was so astonished upon seeing this that he was left speechless...

　　　　Legends aside, the quality and flavor of Zhengning tofu are indeed well-deserved.