Smiling Hara Hempeh

I'm not one for brands, but I am a proponent of interesting flavor combos. So while I was at the 2017 Triangle VegFest, I could not resist spending my hard-earned money on a vegan protein marinating in raspberry habanero BBQ sauce!

Before you even pierce the plastic packaging, you can smell the smoky goodness of the habaneros. Then, once you sneak a taste of the raspberry habanero BBQ sauce the tempeh been sealed in, you cut open the plastic wrap so you can lick it clean. This is what vegan food needs: good flavor profiles.

Side note: I consider this is a luxury good in terms of fat content--at 41g of fat per 4oz (aka half the block), it would be a good treat for vegans who eat a lot of whole foods and thus a lean diet. Otherwise, it's rather decadent for someone who already consumes a high-fat diet. (I am fueled by peanut butter, if you must know.)

What it looks like when cut open -- tightly packed interior

Upon the suggestion of the salesperson, I used the "Hempeh Tacos with Peach-Jalapeno Relish" from the Fork to Summit intsagram account. I adored the peach-jalapeno relish, but skipped the pickled peach skin as well as the red cabbage. Thus, my soft taco looks rather plain compared to what it could be.

It was still one of the most delicious taco fillings I've ever had, and thus will add in a gratuitous second picture. Raspberry-habanero forever!

The interior of the marinated pieces = toothsome hunks