Storing and growing LIVE yeast?!
Storing and growing LIVE yeast?
I got some live yeast from the local supermarket baker today to see if this makes an appreciable difference to my results. I only need a fraction of what they gave me so I would like to know if anyone can tell me if the yeast can be " kept " alive so I make some rolls tomorrow. How long does it live for ?what does one have to do to store it feed it etc, can it be sustained?
any other observations about LIVE yeast would be welcome.
Please no bread machine or dried yeast comments as I prefer to bake in the oven and am used to cooking with inactive yeasts.
thanks
Answers:
Your fresh yeast from the bakes should be OK for a week to 10 days packed in foil in the fridge. You can also freeze it. See this link: http://www.joyofbaking.com/yeast.html...
This feeding and growing thing - I only know of a dough that is called the Friendship dough or the Friendly Hermann Starter check: http://www.astray.com/recipes?search=sta... and
http://www.recipezaar.com/142083...
I prefer to use fresh (live) yeast, I divide it up into about 25 g pieces, wrap each piece in grease proof paper and store in a container in the freezer. The recommended time is no longer than about 3 months but I have kept it longer than that - it just takes longer to 'get going'. The downside is that you have to remember to take it out of the freezer a few hours before you need to use it. I usually take it out the night before to make the bread in the morning.
The yeast doesn't need feeding in storage, just appreciates a spoonful of sugar and some warm water to get it going ready for use. It doesn't take long to froth up, then add the flour and water etc as usual.
Hope this helps.