My travels led me halfway around the world, from South Africa to California, where I took up residence in a Zen Buddhist community in San Francisco. Tofu was something I'd heard about before this spiritual retreat became, for a time, my home. Now, suddenly, I was being fed tofu every other day. I admit that I faced my early tofu meals with dread. Essentially a byproduct of boiled soybeans and available in a variety of textures.
Softer blocks are good for miso, dips and desserts.
Firmer wedges generally prove better for cooking as firm tofu retains its shape and absorbs flavor. To put tofu in perspective, compare it to the potato. Not in consistency, shape, or the fact that tofu can be eaten uncooked. But, like a potato, tofu is versatile and can be sauteed, deep fried, grilled, baked, broiled, cubed, mashed and transformed in a multitude of ways. Rinse tofu gently under cold water, drain in colander.