Frequently Asked Questions
You can ask your questions You can ask your questions and we will answer them! Send in your queries via email or post on our facebook. We will also place it on this page after answering.
Most common question - what differentiates Vege Tofu's products from other brands?
1. Organic Soybeans are used
Our tofu products and soymilk are made from certified organic soybeans from Australia. Some tofu made in Auckland are not made using organic soybeans. If you are not aware, it is extremely difficult to obtain organic soybeans in New Zealand, as soybeans are highly regulated by MPI (formerly known as MAF). Growth of soybeans is restricted, not to mention organic ones.
2. Locally made in Auckland, FRESH!!!
Our products are made right here in Auckland, not imported from overseas. Hence, you can be assured that it is fresh. Also, support LOCAL!
3. Natural nigari firm tofu
Our firm tofu is made using a natural coagulant known as nigari, which gives the tofu a slightly sweet taste, as compared to tofu made using calcium coagulants. In addition, there is lots of protein in our tofu! A block of firm tofu contains around 175g of organic soybeans. Now, who says tofu eaters lack protein?
4. Japanese style soft tofu
We are the only ones in New Zealand making organic kinugoshi tofu 絹ごし豆腐(kinugoshi - soft tofu) and it is made according to the Japanese taste. Once you've tasted our soft tofu, it is unlikely that you will try other brands anymore.
5. Rich and creamy soymilk
If you are from Asia where soymilk is a common beverage, you will know soymilk tastes best when it is rich and creamy. Soymilk should not be water with a soy taste. Moreover, our organic soymilk can be used as soup bases, in smoothies, breard-making and baking.
Comparison across brands is a must and we encourage consumers to do so. However, we hope you keep the above points in mind and choose wisely. The food that one consumes should be of quality in order to maintain good health.
Our tofu products and soymilk are made from certified organic soybeans from Australia. Some tofu made in Auckland are not made using organic soybeans. If you are not aware, it is extremely difficult to obtain organic soybeans in New Zealand, as soybeans are highly regulated by MPI (formerly known as MAF). Growth of soybeans is restricted, not to mention organic ones.
2. Locally made in Auckland, FRESH!!!
Our products are made right here in Auckland, not imported from overseas. Hence, you can be assured that it is fresh. Also, support LOCAL!
3. Natural nigari firm tofu
Our firm tofu is made using a natural coagulant known as nigari, which gives the tofu a slightly sweet taste, as compared to tofu made using calcium coagulants. In addition, there is lots of protein in our tofu! A block of firm tofu contains around 175g of organic soybeans. Now, who says tofu eaters lack protein?
4. Japanese style soft tofu
We are the only ones in New Zealand making organic kinugoshi tofu 絹ごし豆腐(kinugoshi - soft tofu) and it is made according to the Japanese taste. Once you've tasted our soft tofu, it is unlikely that you will try other brands anymore.
5. Rich and creamy soymilk
If you are from Asia where soymilk is a common beverage, you will know soymilk tastes best when it is rich and creamy. Soymilk should not be water with a soy taste. Moreover, our organic soymilk can be used as soup bases, in smoothies, breard-making and baking.
Comparison across brands is a must and we encourage consumers to do so. However, we hope you keep the above points in mind and choose wisely. The food that one consumes should be of quality in order to maintain good health.
FAQ - Tofu
How much protein does your firm tofu contain?
Each block of Vege Tofu's Organic Firm Tofu contains about 115g of certified organic soybeans. That is a lot higher than other brands. This also means by comparing just the prices, you may not be giving yourself (and your body) a good deal .
I got some tofu from the Asian supermarket. Why do they seem bigger?
Those blocks of tofu are bigger because they contain higher water content. You can get our tofu and place in a container filled with water. Over time, they will also grow bigger. In short, you bought tofu plus a lot of water (and it adds to the weight of your grocery bag).
It may also be worth noting that these tofu with higher water content usually contain low bean content ie low nutrition. Our tofu contain a higher bean content and are made from organic soybeans. You may also wish to think about the quality of water that you have bought. We use filtered water while most tofu makers use tap water.
Why does Vege Tofu's tofu taste better than some brands?
The ingredients we use make the difference.
Firstly, we use organic soybeans, and a lot of it. Other brands may not use organic soybeans. Moreover, each maker's ratio of beans to water is different, and you may end up consuming more water than beans sometimes.
Next, we use a natural coagulant nigari, which gives the tofu a slightly sweet taste. Several tofu makers use calcium-salts, such as calcium sulphate.
The filtered water we use may not be a factor for the taste, but it would be good to know the water is clean enough for your body.
And of course, each and every piece of tofu contains the painstaking care the tofu craftsman gives!
Why do you use grapeseed oil for your fried organic tofu and marinated organic tofu?
Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point of 225°C, thus it is ideal for frying. Grapeseed oil is a natural source of Vitamin E, an important antioxidant, and high in polyunsaturated fats and Omega 6 (Linoleic acid). Studies have shown that grapeseed oil has a unique ability to raise good cholesterol, lower bad cholesterol and control triglyceride levels. With all these benefits, grapeseed oil is preferred over other cooking oils so as to bring the best quality product to you.
I got a pack of XX brand Marinated Tofu from Countdown. It seems more and value worth.
You would mean that the package is bigger, but the tofu may not necessarily be more.
You may also wish to check if it is made with organic tofu, and whether the tofu is coagulated with nigari or calcium.
Furthermore, there are ingredients in it that some vegetarians do not take (eg onion, garlic).
And, the other brands usually use plain firm tofu to marinate with; we use organic firm tofu which has been fried in 100% grapeseed oil, which gives a better texture (and involves extra work!).
Anyway, you should simply get the one with the taste that appeals to you more.
Each block of Vege Tofu's Organic Firm Tofu contains about 115g of certified organic soybeans. That is a lot higher than other brands. This also means by comparing just the prices, you may not be giving yourself (and your body) a good deal .
I got some tofu from the Asian supermarket. Why do they seem bigger?
Those blocks of tofu are bigger because they contain higher water content. You can get our tofu and place in a container filled with water. Over time, they will also grow bigger. In short, you bought tofu plus a lot of water (and it adds to the weight of your grocery bag).
It may also be worth noting that these tofu with higher water content usually contain low bean content ie low nutrition. Our tofu contain a higher bean content and are made from organic soybeans. You may also wish to think about the quality of water that you have bought. We use filtered water while most tofu makers use tap water.
Why does Vege Tofu's tofu taste better than some brands?
The ingredients we use make the difference.
Firstly, we use organic soybeans, and a lot of it. Other brands may not use organic soybeans. Moreover, each maker's ratio of beans to water is different, and you may end up consuming more water than beans sometimes.
Next, we use a natural coagulant nigari, which gives the tofu a slightly sweet taste. Several tofu makers use calcium-salts, such as calcium sulphate.
The filtered water we use may not be a factor for the taste, but it would be good to know the water is clean enough for your body.
And of course, each and every piece of tofu contains the painstaking care the tofu craftsman gives!
Why do you use grapeseed oil for your fried organic tofu and marinated organic tofu?
Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point of 225°C, thus it is ideal for frying. Grapeseed oil is a natural source of Vitamin E, an important antioxidant, and high in polyunsaturated fats and Omega 6 (Linoleic acid). Studies have shown that grapeseed oil has a unique ability to raise good cholesterol, lower bad cholesterol and control triglyceride levels. With all these benefits, grapeseed oil is preferred over other cooking oils so as to bring the best quality product to you.
I got a pack of XX brand Marinated Tofu from Countdown. It seems more and value worth.
You would mean that the package is bigger, but the tofu may not necessarily be more.
You may also wish to check if it is made with organic tofu, and whether the tofu is coagulated with nigari or calcium.
Furthermore, there are ingredients in it that some vegetarians do not take (eg onion, garlic).
And, the other brands usually use plain firm tofu to marinate with; we use organic firm tofu which has been fried in 100% grapeseed oil, which gives a better texture (and involves extra work!).
Anyway, you should simply get the one with the taste that appeals to you more.
FAQ - Soymilk
I do not usually drink soymilk but my friend says your soymilk tastes really good.
Our organic soymilk is way richer and creamier than other brands. Any Asian who regularly drinks soymilk as a beverage would definitely prefer our organic soymilk. It is also fresh, unlike the UHT ones. There is no added preservatives. UHT ones tend to add some vitamins or minerals. But most Asians would prefer the pure fresh soymilk, which is what we offer.
Even if you do not drink soymilk as a beverage, you can use it in your cooking. The soymilk can be used to make smoothies, in baking and cooking. And because our soymilk is rich enough, it can be added to hotpots as a soup base.
Is soy formula safe?
Yes. Read http://intellectualyst.com/soy-formula-safe-for-babies-123/
Our organic soymilk is way richer and creamier than other brands. Any Asian who regularly drinks soymilk as a beverage would definitely prefer our organic soymilk. It is also fresh, unlike the UHT ones. There is no added preservatives. UHT ones tend to add some vitamins or minerals. But most Asians would prefer the pure fresh soymilk, which is what we offer.
Even if you do not drink soymilk as a beverage, you can use it in your cooking. The soymilk can be used to make smoothies, in baking and cooking. And because our soymilk is rich enough, it can be added to hotpots as a soup base.
Is soy formula safe?
Yes. Read http://intellectualyst.com/soy-formula-safe-for-babies-123/
FAQ - Other products
How do I store the tofu misozuke?
Once you get the tofu misozuke, keep it refrigerated. Keep the product in a clean, dry and resealable plastic bag (or container) and place in the refrigerator.
I am a vegan and was thrilled to get the tofu misozuke. But how do I use it?
Eat it as you would for something cheesy. You can eat it bit by bit with sake (or wine) for a "cheese and wine" experience. You can also serve it on bread (alike Vege Mite / Marmite), or on crackers. Cut into small cubes and serve with dried fruits and preserves. Grill your vegetables and add some slices on top of the dish. Or add bits into your salads. Sprinkle bits on top of your pizzas or pasta.
Tip: Eat from the outside of the block, instead of halving it and cutting it up. The taste gets more intense over time.
Once you get the tofu misozuke, keep it refrigerated. Keep the product in a clean, dry and resealable plastic bag (or container) and place in the refrigerator.
I am a vegan and was thrilled to get the tofu misozuke. But how do I use it?
Eat it as you would for something cheesy. You can eat it bit by bit with sake (or wine) for a "cheese and wine" experience. You can also serve it on bread (alike Vege Mite / Marmite), or on crackers. Cut into small cubes and serve with dried fruits and preserves. Grill your vegetables and add some slices on top of the dish. Or add bits into your salads. Sprinkle bits on top of your pizzas or pasta.
Tip: Eat from the outside of the block, instead of halving it and cutting it up. The taste gets more intense over time.
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