Original Soy Making Process

Tofu Making in the 1960’s

This rare series of photos taken at our original Keefer Street store show how tofu was made over 40 years ago. The process itself hasn’t really changed at all – but the technology has gotten a little more sophisticated.

Tofu 1

First, the sacks of soybeans arrive.

Tofu 2

Then the soy “milk” is extracted by cooking at high temperature.

Tofu 3

This liquid is then thickened with calcium sulfate.

Tofu 4

The tofu is wrapped in cheesecloth and pressed to squeeze the liquid out.

Tofu 5

These days, we press the tofu into its final, solid form using sophisticated hydraulic systems. But in the old days, a nice heavy cinder block worked just as well!

Tofu 6

Finally, the blocks of tofu are soaked in water and stored for delivery in plastic pails – just like the ones Grandpa used to deliver in his red wagon!