Studies of Culture and Industry on the Hakka Peanut Tofu

• Main Authors: Teng, Jui-Yuan, 鄧瑞圓
• Other Authors: Cheng, Chun-Chun
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2016
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/31781124832407084563

碩士 === 國立屏東科技大學 === 客家文化產業研究所 === 104 === “Peanut Tofu” is a unique local dainty originated by the Hakka people in southern Taiwan. It is developed by womenfolk in Liudui area by utilizing what they have on hand, such as the stored-up peanuts and indica rice at home, based on the principle of “necessity being the mother of invention.” This dish is called Peanut Tofu because of its appearance’s resemblance to tofu. This study uses the peanut tofu culture and industry development as an analytical framework to explore peanut tofu’s heritage and traditional preparation methods, and identify key factors that give peanut tofu its purple color through practical analysis. This study also explores current status of the peanut tofu industry and its future development. Research results show that: (1) Peanut Tofu has been a popular recipe in the Neipu Township’s Xin Dong Xi region for over 90 years. It has spread throughout Taiwan as residents moved out to other regions. However, people who eat Peanut Tofu are still mainly Hakka from the Liudui area. Thus, it can be promoted as a representative industry of local culture and characteristic; (2) Experiment shows that the peanut’s integument and the iron pot used for cooking are key factors that give Peanut Tofu its purple color; (3) Based on the analysis of its ingredients and preparation principle, Peanut Tofu is not tofu, but is a type of rice-based dish, giving it a deeper meaning in Hakka culture; (4) Because Peanut Tofu has a short storage life, it cannot be easily distributed across the country. Also, Peanut Tofu cannot be heated, which means limited variations in the ways of consumption, and it has a clear peak and slack production season. These factors are detrimental to the industry’s development; (5) There are fewer and fewer Peanut Tofu makers today, and the younger generation is not willing to take on the craft. Thus, the Peanut Tofu industry is currently facing a the risk of craftsman shortage. Peanut Tofu is an agricultural product processing industry with deep local cultural meaning. To stably and sustainably develop the industry, transformation to a “cultural experience” type of operation is recommended. Industry operators can use a story marketing method, change the packaging, and use the Internet to fetch in younger consumer groups. Governmental departments are also advised to strengthen Peanut Tofu promotion as a Hakka representative food from the Liudui area, developing it into a characteristic, delicate, and high-value product, which can attract consumers to the production area to make purchases and create a new tourism and travel economy.