Learning more about yeast can help you become a better home cook. Click here to discover how to use this ingredient in easy recipes.
Have you ever stopped to consider what yeast is? It’s more than an ingredient. Yeast is actually a single-celled living organism. That’s right. It’s a fungus, also known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
But don’t let those words spook you! Although it’s technically a scientific-sounding living ingredient, this component is essential to making bread, beer, and wine. It’s officially been around since the time of the ancient Egyptians, but there’s a good possibility it was used long before that.
Today, let’s discover more about yeast. We’ll cover where yeast comes from, how to use it, and then we’ll show you quick bready recipes and recipes you can make with yeast!
Where Does Yeast Come From?
Yeast comes from the mixture of yeast cells with molasses. From there, it grows until the chemical reactions within it make it large enough to use.
However, yeast is not purely man-made; it occurs in nature, too. Take fruit, for example. When you cut a piece of fruit open and expose it to the air, yeast cells in the air will react to the sugar inside. As they react, the fermentation process begins, which produces ethanol and carbon dioxide as byproducts.
You can also make yeast in your kitchen by combining water and flour to produce a sourdough starter if you're making sourdough bread. Yeast cells in the air will feed on your flour and grow.
The formation of this microorganism seems somewhat magical. What you can make with yeast can be even more satisfying and delicious.
What Is the Purpose of Yeast?
How often do you enjoy cake, avocado toast, dinner rolls, or cinnamon buns? If you enjoy those foods, you can thank yeast. One of the primary uses for yeast is leavening bread and other baked treats!
Have you ever wondered what makes alcoholic drinks alcoholic? The chemical process that takes place in yeast helps lay the foundation for beer and winemaking. The presence of yeast is what influences the alcohol present in beer and wine.
Which Foods Contain Yeast?
Although bread, beer, and wine are the most prominent foods that contain yeast, there are a few more surprising foods that contain yeast products.
Here is a brief list:
- Beer
- Wine
- Bread
- Cereal
- Kombucha
- Miso
- Soy Sauce
- Pretzels
- Breaded meat
- Berries and Grapes
- Candy
When yeast is included in a food’s ingredients, it can serve different purposes. In some cases, yeast helps add carbonation. In others, this single-cell organism adds a unique flavor. Still, one of the most common purposes for yeast is that it helps bread rise.
All About the Different Types of Yeast
When learning about yeast, you’ll want to know about the several different varieties that are available to you. Knowing how each of these varieties is unique will help you produce the best bread and baked goods.
What Is Fresh Yeast?
The first yeast variety we’ll learn about is fresh yeast. You might hear other people call this type wet yeast, compressed yeast, or cake yeast. This kind is available in small square chunks consisting of fresh yeast cells. These fresh yeast cakes are often used in professional baking, and they contain a 70 percent moisture content.
What Is Active Dry Yeast Vs. Instant Yeast?
Yeast is most often available in active dry yeast and instant yeast. Instant yeast contains smaller particles than active dry yeast, and it comes in tiny granules that can quickly absorb liquid. This strain of yeast is often used for bread machines along with a dough conditioner.
The biggest difference between these types of yeast is the fact that instant dry yeast is ready for use while active dry yeast needs to be activated.
One thing to know about instant yeast is that it can come in a variety called quick rising or rapid The enzymes and additives in this rapid rise yeast can help your dough rise more quickly. Keep in mind that when you use this kind of yeast, it can cause your bread to rise in half the time. Then, you can move on to kneading and shaping your dough into loaves.
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