Fresh yeast and instant yeast

Professional bakers often use fresh yeast. If you encounter a recipe that uses fresh yeast, divide the weight by 2.5 to calculate the proper amount of instant yeast to use or vice versa. Yeast in this form is alive and potentially ready to begin feeding and producing all of those useful byproducts. It only needs to be warmed to a temperature of 50 F or more to get this yeast activated and feeding. This is the reason why the yeast must be kept refrigerated at all times. This is also the type of yeast for which the old admonishment-never allow the yeast to come into direct contact with either salt or sugar-was developed. What happens here is if the yeast is allowed to contact salt or sugar, either of the two substances will draw the moisture out of the yeast, thus damaging it to a point where it may lose its fermentative properties. In some instances, the yeast may actually be killed. For this reason, fresh yeast is best used when making fresh dough on a regular basis. It is also widely used by those manufacturers who produce frozen dough. The reason for this is that the yeast cells will be in excellent condition, provided the yeast has not been temperature abused. Having the cells in undamaged condition allows the production of the highest quality frozen dough. By high quality, I am referring to frozen dough with a shelf life of 19 weeks or more. Fresh yeast plays a vital role in enabling bakers to deliver products that are of a consistently high quality. It gives also bakers significant performance, application and commercial benefits. Fresh yeast has these benefits: • delivers consistent and quicker proofing times • has “bread” aroma • is easy to work with • has less shrinkage • presents fewer process problems • offers improved texture • delivers consistent performance (less cell damage) • is a natural product • performance reliability • consistent, reliable baking results • quick proofing • ideal for no time doughs • also suitable for longer baking processes Also, the key benefits of cream yeast, in addition to those of compressed yeast include: • Improved yeast quality (because there is no downstream processing damage) • Accuracy of dosing (automatic flowmeters) • Hygiene and cleanliness (untouched by human hands) • Convenience (no double handling, automated dosing) • Productivity gains (less labour required in receiving and handling stock) • Better yeast utilisation (more homogenous mixing in the dough) • And most importantly, consistency (less variability delivering reliable performance) “Cream yeast also ensures less pilferage, helping bakeries to maintain costs,” In addition, as there is no packaging required, and it is also a more environmentally friendly option.” Behrouz Khorramshahi R&D Manager Razavi Yeast Company [email protected]