he extraction phase of the preparation of silken tofu was investigated and the ratio of beans:water was shown to be very critical in terms of the amount of protein extracted and the properties of the tofu. In the range 9–14:1, 10:1 gave the best result. Extraction at 8:1 and making up to 10:1 gave much poorer results, but maceration at 8:1 followed by a further extraction at 2:1 gave a better quality tofu. The time of maceration was shown to have a pronounced effect on the amount of protein extracted.