Yeast

Yeast is a microscopic unicellular fungus that multiplies by budding, and under suitable conditions, causes fermentation. Cultivated yeast is widely used in the baking and distilling industries. History tells us that the early Chaldeans, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans made leavened bread from fermented doughs. This kind of fermentation, however, was not always reliable and easy to control. It was Louis Pasteur, a French scientist who lived in the 19th century, who laid the foundation for the modern commercial production of yeast as we know it today, through his research and discoveries regarding the cause and prevention of disease.

Types of Yeast

Wild Yeast

Wild yeast spores are found floating on dust particles in the air, in flour, on the outside of fruits, etc. Wild yeasts form spores faster than cultivated yeasts, but they are inconsistent and are not satisfactory for controlled fermentation purposes.

Compressed Yeast

Compressed yeast made by cultivating a select variety, known by experiment to produce a yeast that is hardy, consistent, and produces a fermentation with strong enzymatic action. These plants are carefully isolated in a sterile environment free of any other type of yeast and cultivated on a plate containing nutrient agar or gelatin.

Wort

A combination of sterilized and purified molasses or malt, nitrogenous matter, and mineral salts used to supply the food that the growing yeast plants need to make up the bulk of compressed yeast. After growing to maturity in the fermentation tank, the yeast separated from the used food or Wort by means of centrifugal machines. The cooled yeast is filtered, pressed, cut, wrapped, and refrigerated. Marketed in 1 lb. (454 g) blocks, or in large 45 lb. (20 kg) bags for wholesale bakeries. Figure 1 illustrates the process of cultivating compressed yeast, and Table 1 summarizes its composition.

Active Dry Yeast

Active dry yeast made from a different strain than compressed yeast. The manufacturing process is the same except that the cultivated yeast mixed with starch (or other absorbents) and dehydrated. Its production began after World War II, and used mainly by the armed forces, homemakers, and in areas where fresh yeast was not readily available. Even though it is a dry product, it is alive and should be refrigerated below 45°F(7°C) in a closed container for best results. It has a moisture content of about 7%. Storage without refrigeration is satisfactory only for a limited time. If no refrigeration is available, the yeast should be kept unopened in a cool, dry place. Allow it to warm up to room temperature slowly before use. Hydrate the dry yeast for about 15 minutes in water at least four times its weight at a temperature between 108°F and 112°F (42°C and 44°C). The temperature should never be lower than 86°F(30°C), and dry yeast should never be used before it is completely dissolved. It takes about 20 oz. (550 g) of dry yeast to replace 2.2 lb. (1 kg) of compressed yeast, and for each kilogram of dry yeast, an additional kilogram of water should be added to the mix. This product is hardly used by bakers, having been superseded by instant yeast (see below).

Instant Dry Yeast

Unlike instant active dry yeast that must be dissolved in warm water for proper rehydration and activation, instant dry yeast can be added to the dough directly. It can be mixed with the flour before the water is added or it can be added after all the ingredients have been mixed for one minute This yeast can be reconstituted. Some manufacturers call for adding it to five times its weight of water at a temperature of 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C). Most formulas suggest a 1:3 ratio when replacing compressed yeast with instant dry. Others vary slightly, with some having a 1:4 ratio. In rich Danish dough, it takes about 14 oz. (400 g) and in bread dough about 9 oz. to 11 oz. (250 g to 300 g) of instant dry yeast to replace 2.2 lb. (1 kg) of compressed yeast. As well, a little extra water needed to make up for the moisture in compressed yeast. Precise instructions are included with the package. It amounts to the difference between the weight of compressed yeast and the amount of dry yeast used. Instant dry yeast has a moisture content of about 5%, and then packed in vacuum pouches. It has a shelf life of about one year at room temperature without any noticeable change in its gassing activity. After the seal is broken, the content turns into a granular powder, refrigerate and used by its “best-before date”, as noted on the packaging. Instant dry yeast is especially useful in areas where compressed yeast is not available. However, in any situation, it is practical to use and has the advantages of taking up less space and having a longer shelf life than compressed yeast.

Cream Yeast

Creamy yeast is a soft slurry-type yeast that used only in large commercial bakeries and pumped into the dough.

Yeast Food

Yeast food used in bread production to condition the dough and speed up the fermentation process. It consists of a blend of mineral salts such as calcium salt or ammonium salt and potassium iodate. It has a tightening effect on the gluten and is especially beneficial in dough where soft water is used. The addition of yeast food improves the general appearance and tasting quality of bread.