There are a few things you need to know about how to store yeast. The first is that yeast is a living organism and needs to be kept in a cool, dark place with a moderate humidity level. If you store your yeast properly, it will stay fresh and viable for months or even years. We will discuss the best way to store yeast, how to proof it to make sure it is still active, how to make bread without yeast, and how to create your own yeast. Let’s get started!
Why You Should Store Yeast
Yeast is a key ingredient in bread dough, cakes, and other pastries. It is a living organism that feeds on sugar and produces carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. When yeast is mixed with flour and water, it creates a leavening action that makes the dough rise. Yeast is available in four forms: fresh, active dry, instant dry, and caked.
How Long Does Yeast Last on the Shelf?
Yeast can last for a long time, depending on the type of yeast and how you store it. The longer you can slow down the growth of yeast, the longer it will last.
Fresh Yeast:
Fresh yeast has a shelf life of about four weeks. If you are not using it before its expiration date, it is best to freeze fresh yeast. Fresh yeast will last up to six months in the freezer.
Active Dry Yeast:
Active yeast has a shelf life of about six months. If you are not using dry active yeast within that time frame, it is best to store dry yeast in the freezer. Active dry yeast will last in the freezer for up to a year.
Instant Dry Yeast:
Instant yeast is the most stable and has a shelf life of up to two years. If you are not using it before its expiration date, it is best to freeze yeast. Instant dry yeast will last in the freezer for up to four years.
Cake Yeast:
Cake yeast has a shelf life of about one year. If you are not using it within that time frame, it is best to store it in the freezer. Caked yeast will last in the freezer for up to two years.
How to Store Yeast
When it comes to yeast storage, the most important thing is to keep it cool and dark. Yeast cells do not like extreme temperature changes, so the best place to store it is in a pantry or cupboard away from any heat sources.
Refrigerator:
The best way to store yeast is in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container so that it does not dry out or get too much moisture and bring it to room temperature before using it in a recipe.
Freezer:
You can also store yeast in the freezer. Be sure to thaw it out thoroughly before using it.
Airtight Containers:
Another option for storing yeast is in an airtight container. Be sure to keep it in a cool, dark place so that it does not dry out or get too much moisture.
Proofing Yeast: Performing a Yeast Viability Test
One way to tell if your yeast is still active is to proof it. To do this, mix together equal parts water and sugar and then add a teaspoon of yeast. Stir well, and then let the mixture sit for about five minutes. If the yeast is still active, it will start to foam and bubble. If it doesn’t, your yeast is no longer viable, and you will need to buy a new batch.
Why You Want to Proof Yeast
It is always a good idea to proof your yeast before using it in a recipe. This is because yeast is a living organism, and it can die. When you proof yeast, you are checking to see if it is still alive and active.
Results
If the yeast is still active, it starts bubbling and foaming. If it doesn’t, your yeast is no longer viable, and you will need to buy a new batch. If the yeast doesn’t cause the flour to rise as high as it did with fresher yeast, you may have to increase the rising time when baking bread.
What to Do if Yeast is Dead
If your yeast is dead, you will need to buy a new batch. You can also try making your own yeast.
Make Bread without Yeast
If you don’t have any yeast on hand, you can still make bread. There are a few different ways to do this. One way is to use a sourdough starter. Another way is to use baking powder.
How to Create Your Own Yeast
If you want to try your hand at making your own yeast, you can try a few different methods. One method is to capture wild yeast from the air. Another approach is to grow your own yeast from a culture.
Captured Wild Yeast
One method is to capture wild yeast from the air. To do this, mix together equal parts flour and water, and then let the mixture sit out in a bowl for a few days. The wild yeast will start to grow, and you will see bubbles forming on the surface.
Cultured Yeast
Another method is to grow your own yeast from a culture. To do this, you will need to find a source of live yeast, such as a friend who makes their own beer or bread. Once you have the live yeast, mix it with equal parts flour and water, and then let it sit out in a bowl for a few days. The yeast will start to grow, and you will see bubbles forming on the surface.
With either method, you can then use this yeast in the recipe, holding back about a half cup of starter for the next batch. Mix in a cup of flour and a cup of water and let sit for a few days to activate, and you’re ready to make your next bread loaf!
Hopefully you have found this guide on how to store yeast helpful. Remember, the most important thing is to keep it cool and dark. Happy baking!
Featured image courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com/pin/48906345941393180/.
