What is the difference between fresh, active and instant yeast? When to use which yeast

Personally, I don't think anyone dislikes the smell of freshly baked bread, especially when they smell the warm yeasty aroma in their own home. But while most people want to bake a hot, fragrant loaf of bread themselves, many dread baking with yeast.

The type and amount of yeast used in baked goods can make a big difference. From the heavy cream cake that ruined your weekend to the tough braided bun you dumped in the corner of the kitchen, to avoid them, you need to understand how yeast works and how to use it properly. This way, you'll find that baking is not as difficult as it looks! Deciding between fresh and instant yeast? Should I use active dry yeast or nutritional yeast? What's the difference between them, or are they substituted for each other? Time to face your dread of fluffy cinnamon rolls and homemade bread, come on!

What is yeast?

Yeasts are single-celled microorganisms in the fungal kingdom, like mushrooms and molds. While there are thousands of types of yeast, we only use one in baking, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as baker's yeast or "sugar yeast." The name is fitting because it clearly points to how this yeast does its job - eats the sugars and starches inside the dough and converts them into carbon dioxide gas, which in turn expands the bread, creating a A light and fluffy texture. When the dough is baked, this expansion process stops and is completed.

So why are there so many different forms of the same yeast? Yeast once came in a single form—the fresh state, but thanks to advances in technology, food companies were able to dehydrate yeast around 1941, creating a shelf-stable product for the masses.

How is yeast made?

Yeast occurs naturally, but the commercial baker's yeast used today is highly selected, bred and processed specifically for baking. From small growth tubes to culture tanks to fermenters, yeast go through a multi-stage culture process in a liquid containing molasses, nutrients, and B vitamins. Finally, it goes into large storage jars, where the fresh yeast is strained, pressed, and packed into the little square jars you'll find in supermarkets. Active dry yeast and instant yeast are both dried and fresh yeast, and the ratio of live yeast to dead yeast in active dry yeast is lower than that in instant yeast.

Can yeast be frozen?

certainly! You can store fresh yeast in the refrigerator for months (and sometimes years). Before using, give it enough time to thaw and come to room temperature, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Be sure to let the yeast melt completely in the freezer compartment before using it. If it looks dry, throw it away, save yourself the trouble, and pack more tightly next time. Dry yeast lasts longer and can be kept in the refrigerator for more than a year.

Fresh yeast

Fresh yeast is a broken solid mass made by mixing yeast and water. Fresh yeast is favored by experienced bakers because it provides a richer, slightly sweeter flavor than dry yeast and allows bread to rise and rise better. As intimidating as it may seem, fresh yeast is actually pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it. First crush the fresh yeast, put it in warm water and let it dissolve. Once the fresh yeast starts to foam, stir the yeast liquid into the other dry ingredients for the bread. When buying, look for fresh yeast in the dairy or refrigerator section of the supermarket. Because this is a very perishable product, you can buy it as needed, not too much. Then if refrigerated, these yeasts can be used for about 2 weeks, or they can be frozen as mentioned above.

When to use fresh yeast

Fresh yeasts are great for breads that need to rise slowly over a long period of time because their active reaction lasts longer than dry yeast. Fresh yeast is better when a loaf requires multiple rises, like this herb braid or this homemade flatbread. This method works for other sweet recipes too, if you want to bake super fluffy and soft, like jelly doughnuts or cinnamon rolls. Trust us, the waiting time for the bread to bake is tough, but it's totally worth it in the end.

Active dry yeast

Active dry yeast is a dehydrated yeast powder. It is the most common form of yeast in home bakeries and the one most commonly found in grocery stores. During World War II, active dry yeast was developed to overcome the lack of refrigeration. It contains a "dormant" yeast that can be kept at room temperature for months before use. You can also store active dry yeast in the refrigerator or freezer for 4 to 6 months or within a year. Contrary to popular belief, active dry yeast does not need to be activated before being added to the dough and can be added directly to dry ingredients to make the dough. Still, some home bakers prefer to mix it with a small amount of warm water before adding it to the rest of the ingredients. To be on the safe side, check the package directions carefully before using this yeast. If you're not sure if your dry yeast is still active (i.e. still active and working properly), add half a teaspoon of warm water and a pinch of sugar to it. The yeast that is still active will bubble and foam within ten minutes.

When to use active dry yeast

Although active dry yeast is the favorite yeast for most home bakers, there are some who refuse to use it. Maybe it's because the word "fresh" makes fresh yeast more appealing? Either way, if used correctly, the two yeasts produce similar results. So, even if you prefer fresh yeast, it's a good idea to keep some active dry yeast at home.

Since you don't need to activate it, active dry yeast is the way to go when you want to save some time. Well, try these Homemade Breakfast Cherry Rolls, the Adorable Marzipan Hedgehog White Bread, or this delicious Fig-Walnut Bread!

Instant yeast

Instant yeast is finer than active dry yeast. As a yeast that dissolves and activates faster (hence its "instant consumption"), it is nearly identical to active dry yeast. It is also sometimes called "breadmaker's yeast" or "rapid riser yeast."

Sometimes you'll find that they also contain extra enzymes that make the dough rise faster - that is, when a recipe calls for you to leaven the dough twice, if you're using instant yeast, then just one should suffice, in After kneading the dough, knead it directly into the shape of a loaf. Like active dry yeast, you should add instant yeast directly to dry ingredients without mixing with water first.

Can different yeasts be substituted for each other?

As you may have discovered, there is no problem with substituting different types of yeast for each other, as they all work in a similar way, just in different packaging and formats. For an effective replacement, just be aware of the following: Instant and active dry yeast: Instant and active dry yeast can be used interchangeably. If a recipe calls for instant yeast and you want to use active dry yeast instead, just be sure to give more time than the recipe calls for. Fresh and active dry yeast: When substituting fresh yeast for dry yeast in a recipe, use twice the amount called for in the recipe, and vice versa. Don't forget, fresh yeast needs to be mixed with water before adding to the rest of the ingredients. If you replace dry yeast with fresh yeast, you can skip the mixing step and add it directly to the flour. With this infographic, you won't forget how to replace:

More yeast

In addition to these common yeasts, there are other types of yeast that are used for other purposes.

Liquid yeast

Liquid yeast is liquid yeast. Some bakeries use them for baking, but they are most commonly used for brewing beer. When sold, they come in a separate bag from the nutrient solution, and you simply mix them together to activate the yeast.

Beer yeast

Looking at yeast production, we can tell that brewer's yeast is where it all started. It's not used in baking, but is known for its health benefits. It comes in many forms: powder, capsules, tablets or pre-mixed into various products. Brewer's yeast is said to be good for a person's skin, hair, nerves, and immune system, and it contains B vitamins and other minerals.

Nutritional yeast

Nutritional yeast is a form of yeast inactivated, so it won't help rise the dough. It is often sold in flake or powder form and is often used as a condiment or to season dishes. It's especially popular with vegans, and is said to have a cheesy, nutty flavor and a good amount of B vitamins and minerals, just like brewer's yeast. Are you interested? Then see how nutritional yeast is used in our Vegan Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna.

As you may have discovered, there is no problem with substituting different types of yeast for each other, as they all work in a similar way, just in different packaging and formats. For an effective replacement, just be aware of the following: Instant and active dry yeast: Instant and active dry yeast can be used interchangeably. If a recipe calls for instant yeast and you want to use active dry yeast instead, just be sure to give more time than the recipe calls for. Fresh and active dry yeast: When substituting fresh yeast for dry yeast in a recipe, use twice the amount called for in the recipe, and vice versa. Don't forget, fresh yeast needs to be mixed with water before adding to the rest of the ingredients. If you replace dry yeast with fresh yeast, you can skip the mixing step and add it directly to the flour. With this infographic, you won't forget how to replace: