Can You Freeze Tempeh?
Quick Answer
Yes, you can freeze tempeh! Freezing is an effective way to extend its shelf life. To freeze tempeh, follow these steps:
- Place the tempeh into a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Ensure it’s well packed and not overcrowded.
- Store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Read on for more detail
Tempeh is one of those foods that would be impossible to miss, especially if you are trying to improve your diet and start eating healthily.
Not only is it one of those beloved vegan options that serves as a healthy alternative to some favorite meaty snacks, but it can also hold its own as a tasty treat.
This vegan-friendly food traces its roots in Indonesia. It has since crossed over and become one of the most consumed soy products around.
Of course, despite its rising popularity, there are still a lot of people who aren’t familiar with tempeh. Needless to say, that is something that we need to remedy.
People often wonder about their long-term storing options when it comes to tempeh, though. After all, if you already know the wonders of tempeh, you will want to know how long you can keep it around.
So can you freeze tempeh? Yes, you can freeze tempeh. Freezing is the best way to keep it for a long period of time, but it should be done carefully to ensure it lasts as long as possible. You can freeze tempeh in a tightly-sealed bag or container for up to 6 months.
Luckily, we have got you covered. This tempeh freezing guide will present everything you need to know about tempeh.
Not only will we present a closer look at tempeh and its nutritional content, but we’ll also go over the proper procedures for storing and freezing it.
How to Store Tempeh
So, before anything else, You need to ensure that you are buying your tempeh fresh. This will give you a lot of room to properly process and cook it according to your liking. At the same time, buying it fresh will mean that it will last longer.
Because they are incredibly tasty and nutritious, it only makes sense for you to always have tempeh on hand. That is why we’ll need to look at the different ways to improve its longevity.
Presented below are two crucial tips you need to remember:
- Season Your Tempeh – Another useful way to improve tempeh’s longevity is to season it with garlic and salt. Remember that they function as natural preservatives and they can help the tempeh last longer than it normally would.
- Keep it in the Fridge – By placing it in the refrigerator, you are effectively extending the tempeh’s natural shelf life. Keeping it at room temperature is extremely ill-advised and will only cause several problems later on. That said, make sure that you put it into a secure and enclosed plastic container before putting the tempeh in the fridge. By doing so, it should last you at least a week.
Of course, you can always freeze tempeh to keep it around much longer.
How To Freeze Tempeh
Now, we have gotten to the meat of the matter (no pun intended): freezing tempeh. It is one of the most commonly asked questions regarding this wonderful vegan superfood.
Luckily, tempeh is considered to be a freezer-safe food. In fact, freezing is the best way to keep it fresh for long periods.
Just make sure to follow these steps closely:
- Put the tempeh in a freezer-safe bag or sealable container.
- Make sure that it is packed well and that the container isn’t overly crowded.
- Place the tempeh in the freezer.
Once the tempeh has been stored in the freezer, you can expect it to last you a long time. To be more precise, it can last for as long as 6 months. This way, you can rest easy knowing that you will always have tempeh on hand whenever you need it.
There you have it, an easy guide to freezing tempeh!
Remember, this soy-based vegan meat substitute is one of the healthiest foods around. It is not only incredibly tasty, but it is also highly nutritious. That said, make sure to follow the steps we have presented to ensure you get the best results.
Why Freeze Tempeh?
But before we leave you, there is a question that we should first address: why would we want to freeze tempeh? The answer to that is as simple as it can get: it is a superfood that you must have on-hand if you are serious about eating healthy.
Does Tempeh Go Bad?
Before we answer this question directly, we must first take a closer look at how tempeh is made. This is important. After all, the production process behind tempeh is undoubtedly one of the main factors why people ask this question in the first place.
Now, Tempeh is made from a block of soybeans that have been pressed and fermented.
Because of this, tempeh is riddled with white molds all over – don’t worry though, they are perfectly healthy and good for you.
To be more precise, it is also worth noting that the fermentation process is one of the reasons why tempeh has loads of probiotics.
For those unfamiliar with them, probiotics are a kind of fiber that helps promote the growth of good bacteria in the digestive system. Thus, eating tempeh regularly helps improve digestion and absorption.
At the same time, the fermentation process also lends the tempeh a distinctive flavor. As anyone who has tasted it will undoubtedly tell you, the flavor is a lot like that of a mushroom.
This means that it is incredibly earthy and savory, with hints of nuttiness that is hard to miss. In addition to this, tempeh also has a chewy texture that is hard to miss.
That said, one of the most common mistakes people have with tempeh, and other fermented foods is they assume that they never go bad.
After all, fermentation entails letting some bacteria grow and break down some of the food’s elements. However, remember that there is a limit to everything.
So, to answer that question: yes, tempeh can go bad. Of course, it may be tricky to tell this. After all, there are growths that appear on tempeh that are perfectly acceptable.
So, you may have a harder time identifying signs of spoilage especially if you do not know what you are looking for.
How To Know If Tempeh Has Gone Bad:
Luckily, we’re here to help, listed below are some of the things you want to look for in your tempeh:
- Weird Smells – This should go without saying, but we have to indicate it here. Tempeh shouldn’t have any strange smells. If you smell a strong and sour odor emanating from it, then it is probably time to get rid of it.
- Discoloration – Another effective way to look for signs of spoilage is to look for any changes to the color of your tempeh. Of course, this is easier said than done as gray spots can usually be found on its surface. Instead, focus your efforts on the beans. If white beans have suddenly become dark then you are most likely looking at spoiled tempeh.
- Changes in Texture – Good tempeh should be firm to the touch. Be mindful of its texture as any changes to it may be a sign of spoilage. If it has become mushy, then that tempeh will most likely have gone bad.
- Slimy Liquids – If the tempeh has any slime on it, then make sure to throw it out immediately. In most cases, this slimy liquid will also be putrid and rancid, so you shouldn’t have any trouble noticing it.
Make sure to remember these and always check your tempeh for any signs of spoilage.
At the same time, always remember to check the expiration date of your tempeh. After all, the last thing you’d want is to eat some after they have turned. That will surely make for a bad experience.
Nutritional Content of Tempeh
As we said before, tempeh is very healthy and that’s another reason you’ll probably want to keep plenty of it on hand.
Needless to say, if you want to lead a healthy life, you will want to have easy access to food that is incredibly nutritious and as tasty as tempeh. By freezing tempeh, you will be able to do just that as it comes loaded with nutrients and minerals.
That said, presented below is a table for the nutritional benefits you can expect from 100 gram serving of tempeh:
Nutritional Content of Tempeh, Per 100g Serving
Nutrients/Minerals | Amount |
Total Fat | 11 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Carbohydrates | 9 g |
Sodium | 9 mg |
Potassium | 412 mg |
Protein | 19 g |
Calcium | 11% of RDI* |
Iron | 15% of RDI |
Vitamin B-6 | 10% of RDI |
Magnesium | 20% of RDI |
Niacin: | 12% of RDI |
Riboflavin | 18% of RDI |
Phosphorus | 21% of RDI |
Manganese | 54% of RDI |
Cobalamin | 1% of RDI |
Calories | 193 |
*RDI = Recommended Daily Intake
As the table above shows, tempeh is incredibly nutritious. Its impressive nutrient profile clearly shows how densely packed it is – containing high levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
In fact, of all the vegan alternatives to meat, tempeh has been shown to have the highest protein content. At the same time, it is also incredibly impressive how little sodium it contains.
Moreover, tempeh is incredibly low in carbs and calories while also providing you with a great source of calcium. It has around 2/3 of the calcium that you can find from a cup of whole milk.
Needless to say, tempeh is something you will want to have in your home at all times.
That is why you seriously need to consider putting them in your freezer. After all, it is never too late to make a change in your diet. Freezing your tempeh is a step in the right direction.