One of the most important questions to ask when buying tempeh is how to tell if it’s terrible. A few factors may indicate whether tempeh is terrible, and these can be evaluated at any time – before you purchase it or after it’s been sitting on your shelf for a while. If any of these factors are present, the tempeh has gone wrong.
Tempeh Nutrition Facts
Tempeh is one of the most excellent plant-based protein sources available. It’s a popular meat replacement among vegans and vegetarians worldwide. Despite its growing popularity, the fermented nature of tempeh raises several problems, such as determining whether your tempeh is terrible.
What Is Tempeh?
Tempeh is a tofu alternative prepared from fermented soybeans, making it a high-probiotic food. This is one characteristic that distinguishes the product, which is also incredibly healthy. Although it is possible to produce your tempeh, you are not required to do so.
Because while it isn’t as well-known as tofu, it can typically be found at a reasonable price in your local health food store. To manufacture tempeh, we blend soybeans with a “tempeh starter.” The “Rhizopus” mold spore is the beginning. It may appear to be horrible, yet it is entirely harmless. To make tempeh bread, this culture binds to soybeans.
What Are The Signs Of Bad Tempeh?
If the tempeh you’re buying is black, you can be pretty sure that it’s spoiled. Look for the black spots – the result of mold – and discard them. In other words, if you find black spots, you’re looking for rotten tempeh. If the black spots are grey and white, it’s probably not harmful.
Here are Some Signs of Bad Tempeh:
- To begin, examine the actual texture of your tempeh. It’s probably rotten if it has a slimy or mushy consistency.
- Another sign that tempeh is bad is black or dark beans. This happens when the fungus Rhizopus rots the grain, and the beans are typically white and not black. However, it is likely to be bad if you see a halo of mold.
- When it comes to color, black and gray spots are a standard indicator that tempeh has gone wrong. They are perfectly normal but should be avoided at all costs.
- If they are fuzzy, hairy, or white, they signify unhealthy bacterial growth. Although black and gray spots aren’t a cause for concern, it’s still a good idea to look at your tempeh before eating it.
- In addition to the appearance, black spots on tempeh can be a symptom of spoilage. The color of the tempeh will depend on the age and type of fermentation.
- If you see black spots, the tempeh is likely to be wrong, but black spots can be a distraction from the smell of rotten. A foul odor may also signify spoilage, so check the expiration date.
- Your tempeh is most likely spoilt if it is grey and limp. It would help if you tried tempeh in ordinary supermarkets and health food stores to ensure that you’re receiving the best quality.
- Gray limp tempeh is probably sour, and it will be a good idea to avoid any gray and limp tempeh. If it has black spots, it’s time to throw it out and buy a new one. If it’s too dark, throw it away from the whole batch and find another one.
How Long Is Tempeh Good When Unopened?
Mold can thrive in low-oxygen situations. Thus even unopened tempeh can spoil. The exact answer is still dependent on the storage environment.
If the tempeh is left unopened at room temperature, it can last anywhere from one to three days before it begins to overripen. This is also dependent on how it is packaged and preserved. Check the expiration date on the packaging if you’re keeping your tempeh in the fridge to see when you should eat it.
How To Store Tempeh Properly?
We can’t deny that tempeh is both delicious and nutritious. As a result, we’ll have to examine various storage strategies for this superfood. There are two good ways for extending the life of tempeh:
- Seasoning tempeh with garlic and salt: This is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of tempeh. These spices work as natural preservatives, extending the life of the tempeh.
- Freezing tempeh: You can extend the shelf life of tempeh by storing it in the refrigerator. It’s a poor idea to keep it at room temperature because it’ll cause many problems later.
Please ensure the tempeh is in a safe and enclosed plastic container before putting it in the fridge. It should last at least a week if you do it this way. Follow these steps to freeze tempeh:
- First, Place tempeh in a secure plastic bag, ensuring it’s well-packed and the container isn’t overflowing.
- Second, It should be frozen at 0 degrees Celsius.
Is It Possible To Eat Raw Tempeh?
Is tempeh safe to consume raw? Yes, you can consume raw tempeh and retain all its nutritional benefits, but there are a few minor factors to keep in mind. Cooking depletes vitamin levels while bringing out all of the tastes. Tempeh is typically served cooked, either fried, steamed, or boiled.
What Are Tempeh Side Effects?
Like other fermented soy products, Tempeh is generally considered safe by most people. However, some people may want to limit their tempeh intake for various reasons.
Those allergic to soy should avoid tempeh because it might produce symptoms like rashes, edema, and breathing difficulties. Even though studies demonstrate that soy consumption has little effect on thyroid function, people with thyroid disorders should consume it in moderation.
Conclusion
It’s essential to ensure that the tempeh you’re purchasing is fresh. Unless the package contains signs of mold, it’s probably not fresh. Nevertheless, you should still consider buying a new block if you’re unsure. Regardless of its color, it’s a safe choice to eat, so don’t hesitate to experiment. If you’re not sure about whether or not a piece is rotten, it’s worth a try.
