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There are two types of yeast you can use for making bread. Active or Instant. Use this guide to help you determine which yeast to use, how much, how to store it, and what you can use if yeast is not available to make bread. I use instant yeast 90% of the time and when instant yeast is not available, I use active dry yeast.
Also known as Baker's Yeast, most recipes call for active dry yeast. It consists of long, granules of yeast, with live yeast cells, and a dry, outer shell. It is activated when warm water or liquid is added, hence the definition of "active dry yeast." Active dry yeast takes longer to work than instant yeast.
Brands: Red Star, Fleschmann's
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place. Do not expose to heat, air or moisture. Once opened, store in an airtight container and keep in your fridge (6 months) or freezer (up to a year if opened). Unopened yeast can be stored in a freezer with good results for up to 5-6 years!
One Packet = 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) One packet will rise bread containing up to 4 cups of flour.
How to Use: You can "activate" your yeast in warm water, or mix it in with half the flour in your recipe. This will let you know that your yeast is active and working.
With water: Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to 1/2 cup of warm (100°-120°F) water. Stir until dissolved. Add up to 2 Tablespoons of ADY Let mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. You should see foam forming on the surface. Subtract 1/2 cup liquid from your bread recipe and this mixture to your ingredients.
With flour: Measure half of the flour called for in the recipe. Add your ADY, mixing well. Pour in your warm (100°-120°F) water, milk or liquid and stir well. Let sit for about 15 minutes. You should notice small bubbles forming on top of the wet dough. This is also known as "sponging."
Instant yeast is dry yeast that consist of smaller granules than active dry yeast. Since it absorbs liquid more quickly, it can be mixed in directly to the flour, and begin proofing your dough more quickly.
Brands: Saf-Instant, Fleschmann's
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place. Do not expose to heat, air or moisture. Once opened, store in an airtight container and keep in your fridge (6 months) or freezer (up to a year).
One Packet = 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g)
How to Use: Mix your yeast directly into your flour. If your recipe calls for active dry yeast, use 25% less or the same amount.
Allows bread to rise 50% more quickly than other dry yeast. Do not use for refrigerated or frozen bread dough. (No knead bread dough or any breads that require a long rise). It is only good for one rise, so dough is mixed, shaped, proofed & baked.
Red Star Quick-Rise, Fleischmann's RapidRise
Bread Machine Yeast
Bread machine yeast is Instant yeast. Do not use active dry yeast in a bread machine.
SAF-GOLD:
Specially formulated for very sweet breads - Hawaiian bread/rolls, Panetone, Portuguese sweet bread, challah. (Not cinnamon or dinner rolls) Any recipe calling for more than 1 Tablespoon of sugar per cup of flour would benefit from this specialty yeast, as it allows sweet dough to rise more quickly without getting a fermented, sour taste.
FAQ
My recipe calls for Active Dry yeast. Can I use Instant yeast?
Yes, you can use both active dry and instant yeast interchangeably, using the same amounts.
My recipe calls for active dry or instant yeast. Can I use rapid rise yeast instead?
Yes, use 25% less than what the recipe calls for.
My recipe calls for rapid rise yeast. Can I use active or instant yeast as a substitute?
Yes, use 25% more. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon quick rise yeast, use 1 1/4 teaspoons of active or instant yeast.
Can you use too much yeast?
Yes. Using too much yeast will give bread a very "yeasty" taste. It can also cause the bread to go flat.
What if I can't find yeast? Can I still make bread?
You can make your own sour dough starter with just flour, water or juice. If you don't want to make or use a sourdough starter, you can make quick breads that use baking powder as a leavening agent: Biscuits, flour tortillas, Soda Bread
Can I use Wine yeast to make bread?
In short, yes, but you are better sticking with yeast formulated for making bread, as you may end up with an alcoholic, bitter tasting bread.
What if my yeast isn't bubbling?
If you do not see any foaming or bubbling after 15 minutes, your yeast is too old or your liquid was too warm (over 120°F).
Can you make yeast rise faster?
The warmer the environment, the more quickly your dough will rise. Bread made at higher elevations will also rise more quickly.
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