How to Store Tempeh

Tempeh (also spelled tempe) is fermented soybean cake with a rich, nutty flavor and crumbly texture. Traditionally used in Indonesian cooking, in recent years it has been embraced by vegetarians as a healthy meat substitute.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Zip-top bag or other air-tight container
• Refrigerator
• Freezer (optional)
• Ice pack and/or insulated food-storage container (optional)

1. Raw tempeh is perishable and must be kept cool. Unopened packages of tempeh may be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks (check the expiration date on the package). You can also freeze unopened packages of tempeh to store it for up to a year. Allow frozen tempeh to thaw before using.

2. After opening, tempeh may be kept in the refrigerator for five to seven days. Use a zip-top plastic bag or other air-tight container to keep it moist and fresh.

3. Cooked tempeh should be treated like meat, eggs or any other high-protein food, and should be kept either very warm (above 140F) or very cool (below 40F) to retard bacterial growth and ensure that the tempeh is safe to eat. If you're going to pack a tempeh dish for lunch, consider either cooling it with an ice pack or warming it up and packing it in an insulated food storage container.

Tips & Warnings

• Since tempeh is a fermented product, a small amount of gray or black mold may occur on the surface. This is natural and the tempeh is still safe to eat. If there is so much mold that you can't make out individual soybean grains, or if the product is soft or smells bad, do not eat it.

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