Why do you only make soybean tempeh?

We only source beans that grow local to us and soybeans grow well in much of the Northeast, as well as other parts of the US. Field peas also grow well in this region but we didn’t have success when we first tried them, but hope to try again. Once we have more locations around the country there will be an array of different types of beans and grains from which we’ll make tempeh, such as black beans, chickpeas, adzuki beans, lentils, and more.

I’ve heard rumors that eating soybeans is bad for you. Is this true?

Soy is hailed for its health benefits and yet has also been criticized. Why is this? Soy has been widely studied for its estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects on the body. After Harvard’s School of Public Health reviewed research from the New England Journal of Medicine, FDA, and American Heart Association, they found that although studies may seem to present conflicting conclusions, they attributed this largely due to the wide variation in how soy is studied. They concluded that results of recent population studies suggest that soy has either a beneficial or neutral effect on various health conditions. Further, they said that soy is a nutrient-dense source of protein that can safely be consumed several times a week, and is likely to provide health benefits—especially when eaten as an alternative to red and processed meat.

What are the benefits of soy?

We love soybeans. They are so healthy and full of protein and when fermented help you to digest and absorb all the nutrients. And, they grow well locally to where we make the tempeh so we don’t create a lot of transportation costs to the planet.

Can I eat tempeh if I have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?

Yes! In fact tempeh is a great source of protein for those that contend with IBS. Because it is a fermented bean product, it is highly digestible allowing easy access to all of its nutrients. It is a highly recommended food in the low-FODMAP diet.

Can I freeze the tempeh?

Yes! If you are getting close to the use-by date or prefer to store foods in the freezer, the cakes can be frozen for up to six months

Why do I sometimes see black spots on the tempeh? 

Sporulation (brown or black spots) on tempeh is a natural part of tempeh fermentation and is safe to consume.

How much more sustainable is your tempeh than other brands? 

Commercial tempeh made in the US is typically fermented in a single use plastic bag for 24 hrs and then packaged in another single use plastic bag. Tootie’s doesn’t ferment in single use plastic bags. Instead we use metal pans. We do vacuum seal in a plastic bag for freshness and an extended shelf-life - so we use 50% less plastic, and are working on introducing recyclable or plant-based bags in the future.

What else do you do to be more gentle to the planet, animals, and people?

As a food producer, we chose tempeh because of its small footprint on the earth (and it’s deliciousness!), because it is plant-based and doesn’t harm or exploit our farm animal friends, and because it supports people’s health and wellbeing. We also try to extend our circle of compassion in other ways in our production facility and in our lives. The two co-founders are both vegans, our production facility is located in a complex that uses solar panels for some of our electricity, we compost our soybean waste, recycle, and are active citizens in local and national issues related to environmental sustainability, social justice, and animal rights.

How do I find out about your opportunity to become a Tootie’s Tempeh cooperative franchise?

If you are interested in learning more about becoming part of the Tootie’s Tempeh worker-owned cooperative family as we grow and expand to other locations, contact sarah at tootiestempeh.com. We look forward to finding the right tempeh fanatics over the next few years to help us realize the vision of people across the US being able to get our delicious, sustainably made, and locally grown tempeh.

Do you sell online?

Sorry, we don’t sell online. Tempeh is very perishable and challenging to ship safely, plus we are focused on serving local food to local people. Our longer term goal is to be able to do that across the country as we expand our production locations. Local everywhere!

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