Doing Business / FROM SOYBEANS TO TOFU : Bolsa’s Bean Curd: the Art of Nourishment

The soybean, a vegetable native to China and Japan, is a source of food and industrial products. And its seed is the lifeline of Dung Kim Nguyen’s Westminster company, Bolsa Tofu, one of Orange County’s major tofu makers.

Tofu--a bland, cheese-like food called bean curd--is made from soybean seeds, which are rich in protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, and are cholesterol-free.

The soybean seeds are washed and ground with water. The soy milk is then extracted and steamed for about 15 minutes. Water is separated from the tofu by pouring into the mixture some vinegar mixed with salt. After about 15 minutes, the tofu is put into a mold and within 15 minutes the hardened bean curd can be cut and packed.