Tempting Tempeh: Why this Protein Underdog Beats Tofu

Tempeh is a soy product made by fermenting whole soybeans.

Tempeh is a super food.

It's the underdog of protein products.

Why?

Well just look at it! Instead of a nice silky smooth, shiny texture like that of its cousin, tofu, tempeh is bumpy, hard and sometimes very discolored in shaded of cream, brown and gray.

But don't let its 'only a mother would love those looks' looks fool you!

Tempeh versus tofu, tempeh wins hands down.

Yes tofu is an incredibly healthy soybean product. But tempeh has a few health benefits that tofu just simply does not have:

TEMPEH HEALTH BENEFITS

1. Whole beans - Tempeh is made from whole soybeans.

2. Easier to digest - The tempeh fermentation process changes the properties of the soybeans. As a result, tempeh can be much easier to digest for some individuals. Enzymes and fermentation also release and 'pre-digest' some of the nutrients and allow the good stuff like zinc, iron and calcium to be more easily absorbed by your body.

3. High fiber content - One serving of tempeh contains more fiber than most peoples consume in one day. Around 7 grams per 4 ounces, a 1/2 cup.

4. Nutty Flavor - Tofu is slimy and tasteless! ...some people say. Tempeh has a unique nutty/savory flavor and texture that many people love. If you have a super picky eater, try fried tempeh sticks with a dipping sauces (honey mustard and chipotle ketchup), and they will love it.

5. Low Sodium - Tempeh is extremely low in sodium, which is rare for a fermented soy product (like miso).

6. Natural antibiotics - Rhizopus moulds produce natural, heat-stable antibiotic agents against some disease-causing organisms. Indonesians who eat tempeh as a regular part of their diet recognize it as a medicine for dysentery and rarely fall victim to the intestinal diseases to which they are constantly exposed.

With a little more positive PR, maybe tempeh will make it on the superfoods top ten list next year.

My favorite tempeh appetizer is from Spring Street Natural here in NYC. It is delish.
CRISPY MARINATED TEMPEH with two sauces...8.00 (V)

Links:
http://www.tempeh.info/
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=126