A Letter Across the Atlantic
In January 1770, Benjamin Franklin wrote to botanist John Bartram about a “cheese” from China called “tau-fu.” Franklin included soybeans, which he called “Chinese Garavances,” and a recipe from a British friend, marking the first recorded mention of tofu in America.
A Shared Passion for Agriculture
Franklin and Bartram exchanged seeds, recipes, and botanical discoveries through letters. Their correspondence reflected a global agricultural network, with plants and ideas traveling between continents to combat food shortages and encourage local cultivation.
A Curious Ingredient
Franklin learned about tofu from Dominican friar Fernandez Navarrete’s writings, which described it as a soybean-based “cheese.” He shared this discovery with Bartram, though there’s no record of whether Bartram ever attempted to make it himself.
Seeds of Global Change
Franklin’s letter represents an era of agricultural experimentation that introduced exotic crops worldwide. While modern regulations restrict such exchanges, Franklin and Bartram’s collaboration exemplified a spirit of sharing that shaped the global food economy we know today.
In 1770, Benjamin Franklin introduced tofu to America through a letter to botanist John Bartram. He sent soybeans and a recipe for the Chinese “cheese” tau-fu, marking the first known record of tofu in America and reflecting Franklin’s global agricultural curiosity.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/kNrOwrHrpn
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 20, 2025