How to Store Yeast

Over the last few years I have gone through periods where I bake lots of bread and therefore use a lot of yeast. I will then have periods where I don’t make any bread at all. This combined with the fact that I prefer to buy large packets of yeast means that I need to know the best way to store yeast so that it will last longer.

I buy the large packets because the smaller sachets are usually not enough for what I need. Often recipes call for one to two tablespoons of yeast and I find it easier to dispense these amounts from a large jar rather than a small sachet.

Best Way to Store Yeast

We don’t always think about it but yeast is a living organism that needs the correct conditions to survive. Storing it in a dry, airtight container is ideal to keep it fresh. It is also important to keep yeast cool. If you want to store yeast beyond the use by date, putting it in the freezer is the best way. It is like putting the yeast into suspended animation!

In my experience, storing yeast in the freezer extends the use by date dramatically. When I first got into bread making I used some yeast that had been in the freezer for a couple of years and it still worked!

When I open a new container of yeast I transfer it into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Then I just pop that into the freezer. It is very easy to use it straight from the freezer because it doesn’t go hard. Even if I do get a small sachet of yeast I will put that into the freezer as well so I know it will last. Most recipes start with adding the yeast to warm water so that is enough to warm it up again!

I hope this quick tip helps you to get the most from your packet of yeast. It’s so annoying when you want to make some bread or pizza dough but your yeast is no good!

If you’re want some more food related hints and tips have a look at my Food Tips board on Pinterest!

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