As the festive season approaches, many of us are already thinking about what delicious dishes will adorn our tables.
For some, a traditional turkey roast is a must-have, but for others, a plant-based alternative has become the new tradition: the Tofurky roast.
A Popular Choice for Vegans and Veggies
But have you ever wondered how this meat-free marvel is made? For many, the answer might be a little unsettling. The Tofurky factory in Oregon churns out an astonishing 6,000 holiday roasts in just 10 hours, and since its invention in 1980, it’s estimated that a staggering 7.5 million roasts have been sold.
The Manufacturing Process Revealed
So, what’s involved in creating this popular plant-based roast? The process begins with four workers mixing together tofu, wheat, canola oil, water, and savory seasonings to create the ‘masa’ dough. Meanwhile, another worker prepares the wild rice stuffing by combining breadcrumbs, celery, onion, carrot, leek, and other seasonings.
The Assembly Line
The two mixtures are then combined in an industrial procedure that involves funneling them through two tubes. One tube is inside the other, allowing the stuffing and masa to be pressed out around each other simultaneously. The result is a recognizable Tofurky roast, ready to be packaged and shipped out.
Reactions to the Manufacturing Process
But not everyone is impressed with the Tofurky’s production process. Comments on a video of the process range from “Ick” to “That doesn’t look fit for human consumption.” Some have even joked that watching the video is enough to put them off hosting Thanksgiving dinner altogether.
A Love-Hate Relationship with Tofurky
Despite the unappetizing manufacturing process, many vegans and veggies have grown to love Tofurky. The company admits that it doesn’t taste much like turkey at all, but this is part of its appeal. According to Turtle Island Foods CEO Jaime Athos, “It’s more about, ‘Does it eat well? Is it a satisfying and flavorful eating experience?’ That’s so much more on our minds than ‘Is it exactly the same as meat?’”
The Call for Gluten-Free Options
Some customers have called for a gluten-free version of the product, but for now, the original Tofurky remains a staple for many non-meat eaters. Whether you love it or hate it, the Tofurky roast is here to stay, and its unusual manufacturing process has certainly sparked some lively debate online.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the Tofurky roast is a convenient, plant-based alternative to traditional turkey. While its production process might not be the most appealing, the final product is a satisfying and flavorful eating experience for many. So, if you’re considering trying a Tofurky roast this holiday season, just remember: it might not be exactly like turkey, but that’s part of its charm.