John Myers
You can easily freeze fresh yeast in just a few simple steps. In this way, you extend the service life of the product by many months – and without any loss of quality. In this way, you always have a supply of the popular leavening agent ready for baking and no longer waste leftovers.
Freeze fresh yeast: Here’s how it works
After baking yeast buns, a yeast plait with raisins, pizza, or bread, is there still a good bit left over from your fresh yeast bulk pack? Then off with it in the freezer.
First, portion the rest into equal parts – about several pieces weighing 5 grams. Thanks to this step, when you later take it out of the freezer, you will immediately know how many grams you have in your hand and you can immediately defrost the right amount for your baking project. In this way, you avoid having to laboriously chop up a large, ice-cold block.
Then put the yeast portions prepared in this way in an airtight container such as a freezer bag or freezer box or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. A small screw-top jar is also suitable for freezing without plastic. Avoid placing the individual pieces close together or they will stick together when they freeze.
It’s even easier if you want to freeze a whole yeast cube: simply place it in the original packaging in the freezer.
Good to know: Fresh yeast can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of one to two weeks. Frozen goods, on the other hand, have a shelf life of about six months, similar to that of dry yeast. What are the differences between fresh yeast and dry yeast? We also clarify this question.
Rise and cryosleep: This is what happens when you freeze fresh yeast
Are you afraid that the leavening agent will lose power during cold sleep and that your basic recipe for yeast dough will not work out?
Do not worry! Due to the sub-zero temperatures, the millions of yeast fungi in the product gradually die off because ice crystals form in them. But: The enzymes responsible for the driving force survive the procedure for months without any problems.
However, if you have been storing it for more than six months, check the potency of the product beforehand. To do this, put a piece of yeast in a glass of lukewarm water with sugar. If the yeast floats to the surface after a few minutes, it is still suitable as a starter.
Freeze and thaw fresh yeast: tips
It is best to place frozen yeast in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. After thawing, the product can be a little more liquid than before. Apart from that, you can use fresh yeast as normal afterward.
If the yeast for your recipe is to be dissolved in warm liquid, do not defrost it and simply add the frozen starter.
