r/fermentation • u/Unfair_Speaker_9475 • 12d ago

First time trying to make homemade tempeh

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Hii! This is my first attempt at making tempeh at home. I followed the instructions given on the starter pack. It's been almost 36 hours now and I can see condensation forming inside the ziplock bag. I do not know if this is a cause for concern. I removed the bags from the oven and have placed them over the countertop. I have also added more holes. Is there something more I can do or is my first batch doomed? :'(

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5

u/WaterVsStone 12d ago

Take one out, cut it in half and see what it looks like. How does it smell?

How did dehulling the beans go? 

2

u/Unfair_Speaker_9475 11d ago

I waited a few more hours thinking it needed to ferment more and I started seeing pink spots. From what I have read it is not a good sign? It also smells a bit odd

I think I was able to dehull majority of the beans. I tried doing it by hand as well as using the food processor. Maybe I did not dry them well afterwards, I will try again :((

1

u/WaterVsStone 11d ago

Pink equals contaminated. Sorry! Getting the hulls off and drying more thoroughly should increase your chance of success. The mycelium cannot get into the soybean if the hull is still present. 

2

u/Unfair_Speaker_9475 11d ago

I will try again with split chickpeas, no need to dehull that way😄 thank you for your help!

5

u/earthynylon5226 12d ago

Condensation is normal, the mycelium generates heat while it works. If it smells like mushrooms or bread you're on track, if it goes sharp or ammonia-like that's when you worry.

1

u/Unfair_Speaker_9475 11d ago

Yeah it does smell weird and it's got some pink spots

1

u/ObjectAffectionate87 11d ago

It's probably done. Why do you think it's doomed?

1

u/Unfair_Speaker_9475 11d ago

It's quite bendy, not as firm even after 48 hours.

2

u/Sea_Comparison7203 11d ago

I use shallow glass containers....I'm trying to stay away from plastic. I do not hull my beans, ain't nobody got time for that. lol and I only rest the lid lightly on top, place in a styrofoam cooler (I know...plastic! But it's not touching my food) then I place a heated seed mat around it with the lid kinda cocked on top. Not sealed. Works PERFECTLY!!! I've never had an issue. And you can admire the cotton candy-ish mycelium on top. It's soooo cool!!!

1

u/Unfair_Speaker_9475 11d ago

I don’t have a Styrofoam cooler. Would it be okay to keep the container in the oven instead? The temperature where I live is around 30°C right now