Tofu is a highly versatile soybean product, rich in protein and calcium. White and smooth, it comes in blocks and is a cross between a firm custard and soft cheese. You want to be very sure that the tofu you buy is made from organically-grown soybeans.
There are different consistencies of tofu – soft or silken and firm – depending on whether you want to use it as a dip or cut it into cubes to replace meat in stir fry and pasta dishes. Since it has almost no flavor of its own, tofu readily picks up the flavors of whatever is mixed with it.