Yeast — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

For optimal leavening, yeast should be fresh with a creamy color; it should not clump together, indicating it is active and ready to use. It should foam and bubble when proofed, showing it's effective for baking.

Stale or expired yeast that fails to activate in warm sugar water should be avoided, as it won’t aid in baking processes. Packages that are swollen or have an off odor should also be avoided, indicating potential contamination.

Yeast should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container. This helps maintain its activity and shelf life for up to a year. For longer storage, consider refrigerating or freezing yeast.

Moisture and heat can deactivate yeast. Avoid exposing it to air or high temperatures, as these conditions can kill the yeast cells. Always check the expiration date and ensure the container is tightly sealed to keep it viable.

Yeast can last for 6 months when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, yeast can be frozen for up to 2 years.

Leftover yeast, whether active dry or fresh, can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, yeast is essential for baking breads, rolls, and other baked goods that require rising. It’s also used in brewing beer and making homemade wine or kombucha.

Beyond cooking, yeast has several other uses. It can be used in gardening as a natural fertilizer, helping to promote healthy plant growth when mixed with water and added to the soil. Yeast can also be used in DIY beauty treatments, such as making a yeast-based face mask to help brighten and rejuvenate the skin. Additionally, yeast can be used in science experiments with children, such as demonstrating how yeast ferments sugar and produces carbon dioxide, making it a fun and educational activity. Some people also use yeast in natural remedies to support gut health or as a dietary supplement for B vitamins.