The Comparative Study of Curinary of Tofu of the World

세계 두부 조리의 문화

Korea supposed the place of origin of soybean. Although it is speculated that it was edible in the era of the Three Kingdoms(A.D. 5-9C), there is no documentary evidence. The first record about the edibility of tofu was written down in the Goryeo dynasty, and there was several documents that tofu was exported to China and Japan in the Chosun dynasty due to excellent manufacture skills for tofu. Tofu has been a good source of protein as a food for the common people, though there were not many traditional kinds. Especially, tofu has been an important vegetarian foodstuff in a Buddist temple, and has been used for vegetable soup and skewered greens necessary for the sacrificial rites of the humbler class as well as of the royal court. We frequently made sliced raw tofu and fried tofu, and it was used for broil, stew, and casserole as well as stuffing. In addition, tofu and its bean-curd dregs were applied of making soy. In China it is assumed that tofu has been eatable since the time of the Han(AD. 1C). Chinese tofu and its products are various and generally 20 different varieties are used. There are many dishes applied of tofu. salted and plain tofu were used as Chinese appetizer dishes. Plain, salted, skinned or deep-fried tofu was stir-fried in an hot oiled pan with vegetables, meats and fishes. Additionally, there are a variety of tofu dishes utilized stewing, frying, steaming, and soup cookeries. Tofu first appeared in the era of the Nara(8C) of Japan and was come into wide use in the era of the Aedo(Tokyo). In Japan tofu and its products are various and introduced in Shojin cookeries prevalent in the Buddist temples. It is especially noticeable that frozen or skinned tofu was used for these. Japanese tofu cooking is more delicate than Korean and Chinese ones, and Japanese people do not use oil. Instead, they in general utilize steaming and broiling cookeries. In the western countries the history of tofu edibility is short. However, their practical application of tofu in the dietary life is very positive.