Yongning Tofu

Yongning Tofu

　　Yongning Tofu has been documented since the Han Dynasty and became a tribute to the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty. There was once a time when every household made tofu. The tofu of Yongning Ancient Town has been passed down to this day thanks to its unique production techniques and rich nutritional value. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Yongning gathers spring water from all directions underground, which is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. The mineralization and total hardness of the water are highly suitable for tofu processing. Locals use "sour whey" to coagulate the tofu, resulting in a smoother and more delicate texture. They have also developed a tofu banquet to promote tofu consumption. The Yongning Town established a soy product production and sales association, registered a trademark, and applied for a process patent, uniting individual tofu artisans under unified production and sales to strengthen market competitiveness.

　　　　Yongning is an ancient town dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Since the Ming Dynasty, there has been a saying in the regions beyond the Great Wall: “From Nanjing to Beijing, if you want to eat good tofu, go to Yongning.” There is also a local proverb about tofu: “On the cutting board it’s yellow, throughout it’s lively, when sliced the edge is fine, in the hand it’s soft, in the mouth it’s tender, in the pot it’s chewy, and when fried it’s light.” This shows just how exceptional Yongning Ancient Town tofu truly is.

　　　　The deliciousness of Yongning Ancient Town tofu is well known far and wide, and its fame is attributed to the water of Yongning, high-quality soybeans, and exquisite craftsmanship.

　　　　The Yongning region is located on the eastern edge of the Yan-Huai Basin, surrounded by mountains on the north, east, and south. Spring water from these directions converges underground in Yongning, resulting in clear, sweet water rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. The mineralization and total hardness of the water are perfectly suited for tofu production. It could be said that without the water of Yongning Ancient Town, there would be no Yongning Ancient Town tofu.

　　　　The raw materials for Yongning Ancient Town tofu are selected from high-quality soybeans grown in local green agricultural bases. These soybeans are not only of superior variety but are also grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, in a pollution-free environment, making them naturally wholesome food. Rich in iron, phospholipids, cellulose, and phytoestrogens, when combined with the water of Yongning Ancient Town, they create tofu as if by nature’s design.

　　　　Tofu is said to have originated during the Han Dynasty with Liu An, the King of Huainan, and has a history of 2,000 years. Because tofu is high in protein, low in fat, and contains no cholesterol, it has rich nutritional value. No wonder the Qing Dynasty literary figure Yuan Mei said: “When tofu is well made, it surpasses bird’s nest in flavor.”

　　　　1. Brain Power. Soybeans are rich in phospholipids, an essential substance for building a smart brain. Since 20%–30% of the human brain is composed of phospholipids, eating tofu can increase the release of acetylcholine, thereby improving memory and learning ability. The plant protein in soybeans is a fundamental ingredient for the brain’s complex intellectual activities. Increasing the plant protein content in your diet enhances the excitatory and inhibitory functions of the cerebral cortex, thus boosting work efficiency.

　　　　2. Skin Whitening. Soybeans contain phytoestrogens, which have estrogen-like effects without the toxic side effects of actual estrogen, earning them the title of healthy messengers for maintaining and protecting youthful skin. Currently, a trend among Japanese women called “drinking soy milk to whiten skin” is gaining popularity.

　　　　3. Five Anti-Cancer Effects. Soybeans contain at least five substances with anti-cancer properties: protease inhibitors, phytic acid phosphatase, plant sterols, saponins, and isoflavones. New York University in the United States found that the protease inhibitors in soybeans can inhibit various cancers including skin cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and oral cancer, with remarkable efficacy.

　　　　4. Prevention of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases. Soybean saponins help lower blood lipids, act as antioxidants, prevent arteriosclerosis, and modulate immune function. Potassium is an essential trace element for the human body, and a deficiency can lead to heart failure. Consuming soy products is one effective way to supplement potassium. The plant sterols in soybeans compete with cholesterol in the body, effectively reducing cholesterol absorption, which is very beneficial for preventing heart disease and stroke.

　　　　5. Prevention of Hearing Loss. Soybeans are high in iron. Supplementing iron in the human body can dilate capillaries, soften red blood cells, ensure adequate blood supply to the ears, and effectively prevent hearing loss.

　　　　Yongning Ancient Town tofu in Yanqing has been documented since the Han Dynasty and became a tribute to the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty. There was once a time when every household made tofu. With its unique production techniques and rich nutritional value, it has been passed down to this day and stands out as an exceptional choice for disease prevention, health care, and gourmet enjoyment.