{"id":1599777,"date":"2021-03-23T15:44:54","date_gmt":"2021-03-23T20:44:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1599777"},"modified":"2024-10-16T17:21:17","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T22:21:17","slug":"what-is-tempeh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/what-is-tempeh\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Tempeh?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking for a new plant-based protein for your meatless Monday meals<\/a>? Try tofu's cooler cousin, tempeh. It's firm and flavorful while adding vitamins, minerals and prebiotics to your healthy diet. Once you try it, you'll want to add it to your plant-based grocery list<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

What Is Tempeh?<\/h2>\r\n

Tempeh is a vegetarian substitute<\/a> made from whole soybeans. Unlike tofu<\/a>, tempeh is fermented. The fermentation process may help your body to digest it and pull more nutrients from it. It also gives tempeh a firmer, more meat-like texture.<\/p>\r\n

So how does the fermentation process work? Well, as gross as it sounds, you need a controlled fungus to ferment your food. Over 48 hours, the fungus and mold grow on the soybeans, firming the mixture into a nutty-tasting cake. Tempeh has a subtle nutty flavor, and the taste can be compared to mild, but earthy, mushrooms.<\/p>\r\n

Tempeh is higher in protein than tofu and is a rich source of calcium, iron and manganese. It's sometimes confused with seitan<\/a>, but the two meat alternatives are quite different. Seitan is made from wheat gluten and is not fermented.<\/p>\r\n

It's believed that tempeh originated in Indonesia, and though it's been around for a very long time, it's a relatively new discovery for many in the U.S.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Is Tempeh Healthy?<\/h2>\r\n

Tempeh can be part of your healthy eating plan. Studies show<\/a> that replacing meat with plant-based foods lowers your risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions. And unlike meat, tempeh is a good source of fiber and antioxidants. A 4-ounce serving of tempeh has 20 grams of protein, 12 grams of fiber and 222 calories.<\/p>\r\n

You may have heard concerns about a possible link between soy products and cancer. Soybeans have a high concentration of phytoestrogen, which functions like human estrogen in the body (with much weaker effects). According to the experts at Harvard School of Public Health<\/a>, the research is mixed, and soy products like tempeh can be safely eaten several times per week.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Where to Buy Tempeh<\/h2>\r\n

Tempeh can be found at health food stores and even most grocery stores now. Check out Whole Foods, Target and Amazon for a wide selection. Look for tempeh near the refrigerated section of the store alongside other meat substitutes like tofu and seitan. Tempeh is relatively inexpensive and ranges from $3 to $6 per pack. Here are a few varieties to look for:<\/p>\r\n\r\n