Those fake (plastic) tofu skin rumours

Tofu skin, a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, made headlines when it was reported that fake tofu skin was being sold in some rural markets, and even in Chinatown.

SMARTPHONE AND TABLET USERS: To use our audio files and see our vocabulary aids, photos and videos, you can change the view to our "desktop site". You will find the link at the bottom of the mobile version page.

Please join us on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/bangkokpostlearning

Here is an excerpt from a very informative story on tofu in today's Bangkok Post. You can read the full article here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/lifestyle/social-and-lifestyle/736260/was-there-plastic-in-your-tofu

Was there plastic in your tofu?

MELALIN MAHAVONGTRAKUL

As the vegetarian festival comes to an end, many question the content of the food they ate.

Tofu skin, one common ingredient often found in Chinese cuisine and used a lot during the current vegetarian festival, made headlines just recently when it was reported that fake tofu skin was being sold in some rural markets, and even in Chinatown.

In Chinatown, bags of tofu skin are often hung from the ceiling to keep it removed from water and moisture.

Tofu skin is usually sold dried and it can be broken easily into smaller flakes. However, the news said that what was being sold was akin to plastic. As a test, someone tried burning what they suspected to be fake tofu skin. The smell was said to mirror burning rubber.

Asst Prof Jessada Denduangboripant, a lecturer in biology from Chulalongkorn University, offered a differing opinion, that the fake tofu skin claim could be a hoax. It actually costs more to use rubber or leather to imitate tofu skin compared with the actual soy bean, which already comes at a low price.

Burning is also not a recommended method of testing, he said. Lab work is usually required as a standard procedure.

The soya product is a good source of protein and it can therefore be used as a protein substitute when many are abstaining from eating animal products during the current vegetarian festival.

There are two types of tofu skin: fresh and dried. While fresh tofu skin is usually sold in the refrigerated section in supermarkets, the dried version is easier to find in the dried goods section in general stores. The dried skins are usually soaked in water first before being cooked.

สามารถฝึกอ่านออกเสียงและดูคำแปลได้ที่ : http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/736480/those-fake-plastic-tofu-rumours