Tempeh question
Posted by apstaats on Apr 29, 2007 · Member since Mar 2006 · 661 posts
I've had a package of tempeh in the fridge for a really long time. I just haven't gotten around to using it yet. It doesn't look any different than when I bought it, and it doesn't have an expiration date. How can I tell if it's gone bad?
I've used tempeh that's been in my fridge for a long time too. I wouldn't have used it if it had turned a funny color that it wasn't originally (like green), had gotten white, fuzzies on it, smelled really bad or had soft, slimy, rotten patches on it. I think tempeh is one of those foods developed to keep for a long time to be a food source during the winter in "ancient" times. I'd use my best judgment. If there's any of the above problems or eating it would cause you more anxiety than throwing it away, throw it away. ;)
Thanks TinTexas! I'm pretty assured I won't die from eating it now, so I will give it the five senses test: does it look funny, does it smell funny, does it feel funny, is it making any noise, and does it taste funny--that one's last!
By the way, I keep thinking about how I told you I would experiment with vegetable rennet and soy milk, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. I haven't forgotten though, and I'll let you know when I try it out.
I want to agree on the green-fuzz and slimy spots advice. Tempeh is fermented with a fungus (a certain type of mold to be exact), so white fuzzy patches might actually be from that fungus. Just smell it and see if it still smells like tempeh. Any fermented food can last longer than non-fermented foods because the (good) microbial life that ferments the food keeps bad microbial life out. Though that has its limits, so as I said, look out for brightly colored molds and slimy/dark spots.
Be careful... Recently I decided to make some Tempeh that was a week or 2 past its date... I thought it must be okay since it generally keeps for a long time... It looked alright and didn't smell bad, but when I cut into it, it was filled with fluffy, white, mold-looking stuff... Freaked me out...
Why is it that tempeh always seems to sit in the fridge for so long after we buy it? lol...
Thanks for the tips! Kendra, I'll cut into my tempeh with caution :)
Future reference...
Tempeh can be frozen for up to 3 months. Once defrosted, use within 10 days. ;)
repy to (JM)2 about Tempeh.
You just might not be used to it. The first few times i've tried tempeh, I had a stomache ache afterwards and didn't feel to great. But after that, i've felt fine from then on. The same with tofu and other protein staples. Your body just might need to adjust to eating soy, especially if you are new to being a vegan. I find that grinding up my tempeh and cooking it that way is better on me. good luck.