Is it possible to store yeast in the freezer and how to do it correctly

Improper storage of yeast leads to baking failures. To avoid such situations, learn how to store yeast in the freezer. We will talk about different types of yeast: pressed, dry, beer, etc.

What is yeast and how to store it?

Thanks to fungi, which housewives know as yeast, the dough is enriched with carbon dioxide and rises. The baked goods turn out fluffy and soft. Yeast is a living organism, which means it shouldn’t be stored in any way. They need either access to oxygen or isolation in the freezer. The fact that these are food fungi should also be taken into account when preparing dishes: the organisms are afraid of high temperatures and direct sunlight.

There are several varieties of yeast:

1. Fresh or pressed are sold in briquettes. They are stored either at room temperature or in the refrigerator or freezer. Raw yeast dies quickly and needs high humidity. They will last no more than 2, maximum 4 days in the kitchen cabinet.
2. Dry varieties need a dry and well-ventilated area. These bags stay in the kitchen cupboard for a long time. Granulated yeast must be used 1.5 months in advance; active yeast can wait up to six months. There is also a fast-acting variety that can be stored for up to 2 years, but when the package is opened, the shelf life is reduced to 2 days. By the way, in addition to fungi, such packs contain various enzymes and minerals.
3. But alcoholic yeast can only be stored in the refrigerator; there is no place for it in the freezer.
4. Brewer's yeast is diluted with water in a jar and stored for a month in the refrigerator. You cannot freeze them dry - they lose their properties.

When placed in the freezer, the yeast does not die, it only goes into suspended animation. Upon returning to warmth, they become active again.

How long can you store

Different yeasts have their own shelf life. You can see it on the package. If there is no packaging left, check out the approximate shelf life of the products:

1. Pressed briquettes can be stored frozen for up to 2 years.
2. It doesn’t always make sense to put dry ones in the refrigerator or freezer; they hold up well in room conditions. It is wise to save the product if the packaging has been opened. If you decide to store supplies for the future, try to remove and use the product within 2 weeks if it was in the refrigerator, and within 6 months if it was in the freezer.

Advice from purity-en.htgetrid.com magazine
Always test your yeast before adding it to your dough to avoid wasting your ingredients. Take 1 tsp. defrosted yeast, add warm water or milk (temperature - 30 degrees), a little flour and sugar. Place the plate in a warm place. If after 10-15 minutes bubbles appear on the surface, the microorganisms are working and can be used for baking.

By the way, it is better to remove the top darkened layer from the compressed yeast briquette.

How to store in the freezer: tips

Packing the product into portions and storing them in the freezer eliminates situations when you need to make dough, but the main ingredient is either not there or it has deteriorated under inappropriate storage conditions.But it’s still not worth purchasing for years in advance, unless, of course, you own a personal bakery.

Important
Expired yeast cannot be used for food purposes.

A collection of various useful tips for storing yeast in the freezer:

1. Do not distribute pressed yeast in plastic or paper bags, but use foil for baking. You will need a fairly large sheet. Divide portions among pieces of foil and wrap tightly. To keep everything in one place, place the already wrapped pieces in a freezer bag.
2. There is no need to subject the product to repeated freezing and thawing. This makes him spoiled.
3. If the product smells unpleasant and looks strange, then it is better to stop storing it and buy fresh.
4. Useful advice for bread machine owners: in order not to cut off the required amount of yeast from the briquette each time, just do it immediately after purchase. Divide the pressed product into the required portions and place in the freezer. Remove the already measured portion as needed.
5. Another interesting storage method is in flour. Roll the briquettes cut into pieces in it and place everything in a small jar. Sprinkle with flour and place in the freezer.
6. It is better to remove yeast from the freezer the day before baking. This way the product will not be damaged by sudden temperature changes.

What should you know about dry yeast? They are also packaged in bags. Measure out precise portions for preparing baked goods. If you constantly remove the bag from the freezer, condensation will form in it, which will spoil the product.

Which yeast makes baked goods taste better? Traditional raw ones work best, but modern granular and fast-acting varieties work just as well. Rely on your taste sensations. The quality of baking depends not only on the yeast chosen, but also on the type of flour, eggs and various additives. Remember to start your starter in a warm liquid; do not kill your yeast with boiling water or too cold water.