Last updated on September 17th, 2020
How to Proof and Store Yeast. Last week, because active dry yeast is impossible to find in supermarkets these days, I decided to purchase, for what seemed an excessive sum, a two-pound bag of the stuff from an on-line source. When the yeast arrived three days later, I wondered if it was even any good. Was I the victim of an on-line scam? See for yourself:
How to Test (“Proof”) and Store Active Dry Yeast: The Video
Thanks for watching! As mentioned, I was not the victim of a scam. Indeed, I was the recipient of a bargain! You can use this same proofing technique to test the viability of any yeast you happen to have on hand.
Just to recap:
To test active dry yeast for viability: Pour 1/2 cup warm (110°F) water into a 1-cup glass measure. Add 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar, and whisk them all together. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes.
When 10 minutes have passed, the yeast, if it is viable, will foam all the way to the 1-cup (250ml) mark. Good news — the yeast is fresh!
You might like to use this activated yeast for these Homemade Hamburger Buns (click here for the recipe.) I used my activated yeast to make (yet-another) delicious loaf of Basic White Bread (click here for recipe). Pictured above is the bread triumphantly rising in its 9-inch pan.
Because my white bread recipe calls for just 1/3 cup warm water (not the 1/2 cup employed in the proofing exercise), I simply added a little more flour to soak up the excess liquid. As you can see, the bread baked up perfectly. ‘Twas divine to eat.
How to Store Active Dry Yeast
If you purchase yeast in a two pound vacuum-packed bag, as I did, then you will need to store it properly after the bag has been opened. When exposed to air, yeast is susceptible to the ravages of moisture. I poured my granules into glass jars capped with tight-fitting lids. Then I put the jars in the freezer. Frozen yeast will remain fresh for at least (at least!) six months. Refrigerated yeast will stay fresh for at least 4 months. Let the yeast come to room temperature before using it in a recipe.
New, unopened jars and envelopes of active dry yeast should be stored in a dark, dry, cool place. Once opened, refrigerate or freeze the yeast. Yeast that has passed its expiration date might still be viable. Just “proof” it in the manner described above before using. If the yeast is slow to foam, or if it doesn’t foam at all, just…toss it.
I hope this little tutorial was helpful you. xKevin
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Katey M says
Thanks for this! I can’t get yeast anywhere, either. Thanks to you, I have a “kitchen pet”, Susanna. And, she is quite active now.
This quarantine has been hard on my kitchen appliances. I lost an electric mixer, a can opener, and my crock pot is now a cracked pot! I guess I get to do some shopping soon. Lol! Take care & be safe!♡
Devon says
Good morning, Kevin! Happy Easter to you and a quick comment about storing yeast. I too had to order yeast online and now have a lot to store. We can successfully freeze yeast for a year, IF after removing the container from the freezer, we leave the container sealed until it reaches room temp. I have enjoyed baking for over 45 years and love your cheery blog.
John says
Wow! That is really a very active yeast. I was not aware of keeping the yeast in the fridge after opening. I thank you for that tidbit of information.
Let’s get baking. LOL
SarahBeth says
Hi Kevin. Thanks for the info on how to test the viability of stored yeast. I’ve used bulk yeast for years, but never had a specific test. I just wanted you to know I have yeast in the deep freezer in a glass jar that is at least 8 years old. It is still fine. I’ve purchased my yeast at the local warehouse store and paid, probably $6 a pound. It may not be available right now, but Amazon prices rise and fall according to demand, and normally, it is not nearly that pricey.
Happy Easter! Stay well and sane in these strange times.
Leslie George says
Hi Kevin, When I heard you say you paid 69.00$ for a bag of yeast I was drinking hot coffee and it almost left my mouth with force. You need to do some researching the next time you order yeast or anything from online. I got my Instaferm Red Instant Dry Yeast 1lb. for $18.98 WITH shipping and it is on it’s way to me now. YOU got gouged. The company I got it from was very good at getting back to me quickly AFTER I bought the yeast to tell me that it would work well in my bread machine (I forgot to ask first). I have no idea what is going on with the yeast market lol guess a lot of people decided to learn to make bread. I use this yeast in a low carb bread I make that comes out WONDERFULLY! I use Honey or Molasses and the carbs in those sugars are eaten by the yeast so no carbs from them. I do enjoy your blog tremendously and thank you for posting 🙂
Jennifer says
I have used Red Star yeast for years. I buy it online through my local big box grocery store and it only costs me $13.99 for your two-pound bag. I am sure that supply shortages right now have driven up the price. Take heart, in the future it will be much cheaper. I am glad I just re-ordered in early February!!!
Jean diemer says
Hi Kevin and family, Happy Easter. I get mine at Costco and Sam’s. I believe it is a pound of yeast because I always share with my daughter and it is less than $10.00, something like $6.00 I believe. I’ve had it in my freezer for more than a year and it is still good, like you said, just have to proof. I can smell that fresh bread baking so we will all be over for some fresh bread today. Hope you have enough yeast! Love reading your blog.
SandraG says
Hi Kevin,
I have been making my daily bread – or buns lately, (in a breadmaker) for many years now using active dry yeast purchased from my local grocery store (or any grocery store) for the equivalent of about $3-4 per package of 1 kg (approx. 2 pounds). I keep mine in a ziploc bag in the freezer. It lasts forever (until use it up), never loses “oomph” and does not need any proofing.
BTW, I love your recipe blog!
Maraya says
I buy Saf Instant Yeast by the pound from Amazon. It’s currently about $18. I do the same as you – put it in a Mason jar in the freezer, but I keep a 4-ounce jar in the refrigerator. That way, I don’t have to open the big jar every time I bake, which exposes the yeast in the jar to moisture. As the big jar level goes down, I put balled-up plastic wrap in the empty space – again, to keep moisture away from the yeast. I have had one jar for a few years, and the yeast still works like it’s brand new!
Phyllis Vander Linden says
I have been buying yeast in large portions for years. It stores indefinably in the freezer.
Lori says
I must have bought my yeast on time, but it’s good to know I can get it online bc with 3 more weeks of shelter in home, will find me baking bread more often.
Your bread recipe came just in time as it’s cold outside and we are respecting the shelter in home, so no Easter Dinner for our family so I’m planning on making bread today! I wish I had orange juice and I’d make the sweet orange rolls as well. I can’t wait to make these for my mom bc she always made the Pillsbury kind and it’s a tradition for Sunday mornings.
And I plan to watch the hamburger bun video too after the IPad powers up….
A jackpot of goodies for me this Easter morning. Thanks Kevin! It’s So very hard this morning without the excitement of preparing the giant Easter Dinner this year.
Laura Clements Dixon says
Happy Easter.
And thank you for sharing your recipes, your knowledge and very helpful information.
We have enjoyed your beef and mushroom dish several times since you posted it many months ago. Delicious!
We had a not-so-tender cut of beef in our freezer, and we are making it again for supper tonight — this time in the slow cooker.
Thank you so much for being such a good neighbor!
Martey says
My supermarket in PA always has Red Star Yeast in their bulk section. I‘d buy a half pound container and store it in a Fido jar in the fridge. Don’t worry about bringing it to room temperature, just open the jar and quickly measure out what is needed. Close the jar and put it back in the fridge. I write the date that I bought it right on the jar with a permanent marker (the ink comes off with a pot scrubber). I generally get a year out of each purchase. Since I mostly use recipes that need proofing, I can tell when my yeast is running out of steam…
Pat says
Your articles are always so appropriate for the time we are in. No yeast in our local store but luckily a good friend gave me some of hers as she keeps a mega amount in the freezer which is what I should have done as my yeast was dead! Also, talked to a retired friend when I was complaining about no yeast anywhere to be found. That was when I learned I could freeze it as she has done this for years. Our town must be smelling like bread baking!!
Thank you for your knowledge, be safe, happy, and healthy.
Kelly says
Hi Kevin. Happy Easter! I truly enjoy your blog. I love learning new things and you’ve certainly taught me a lot. I have a question I hope you can answer. I live at 7000 feet. Is there a general rule of thumb you would recommend when baking some of your scrumptious goodies I should follow for successful baking at this altitude?
Ann S says
I found ONE jar of Redstar ‘bread machine yeast’ I bought it, thinking ‘yeast must be yeast’
Am I wrong? Is “bread machine yeast’ different than active dry yeast?
I’d appreciate any guidance. Does anyone know? thank you. Stay healthy!
mark urban says
Time to get my beer making book open. I know it had a section on culturing your own yeast that lasted forever and ever. And that was from buying a 0.69 packet of yeast.
Lainey says
Yeast lasts for YEARS in the freezer. I’ve used yeast that was over 5 years old and it was strong as ever.
And, no need to defrost, just add it to your recipe.
Yeast is tough, no need to molly-coddle it!
Lainey says
Ann S – I’ve used bread machine yeast in regular baking, and regular yeast in bread machines and haven’t noticed a difference.
Honestly, I think it’s just a marketing ploy.
Mary Leach says
Kevin, I also bought Red Star yeast in a 32 oz. “multi-pack on Amazon. I did not pay that exorbitant price, but I did pay a high price. I bought the multi-pack because I was going to share with my son-in-law. When I poured out my half, 16oz., there was very little left in the package. I poured it all into the bowl on the scale and there was only 23.9 oz. My home scale may be a little off, but not that much. I do think we got scammed.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Ann S – I think “bread machine yeast” is the same as “instant yeast.” Instant yeast gives a faster rise than dry active yeast, but the two are interchangeable. Rapid Rise yeast is a totally different animal. It is intended for breads that require just one strong, quick rise.
Ardelle Tuxen says
Thanks for reviewing the proofing to make sure it is still live. I noticed that some of my jars of yeast are quite old and I’m sure they will be fine. I’ve used some that was over 2 years old and it worked fine. Okay, I am making more bread – don’t want to go shopping and I know what I make is sooo much better than even the good local bakery loaves available. I often shape my loaves and put them in the refrigerator covered with a slightly damp towel, then take it out in the morning to rise and bake – it has never failed me. My family always loved the fresh bread with honey, peanut butter or homemade jam for breakfast. Life is good. Happy Easter.
Susen Shapiro says
I have a bag of Red Star yeast in my freezer that I put into a plastic container. I put it in the freezer in 2010! It is still viable. Just make sure that it’s airtight, and watertight. By the way, Kevin, did you try King Arthur to buy your yeast. They’re expensive on many items, but not $69.00 for a bag of yeast.
Janet Phipps says
Check out King Arthur Flour online. They have the best baking supplies I’ve ever had. Their SAF Yeast is a high quality product! You can get one pound for $5.95. Also, they have quality flours, sourdough starters and many other necessary items for the home bakers.
Anne says
Hi, Kevin–
I’ve been purchasing the big packages of yeast for years. I put some in a smaller yeast jar I keep in the door of my fridge, then I tape shut the yeast bag, put it in a ziplock bag, and simply keep it in the very back of the fridge (had never heard of or thought to freeze it!), re-filling the small jar when needed. I’ve had it keep just beautifully that way for up to two years–when I usually run out and buy more.
Best,
Anne
Megan Black says
I love your recipes and helpful hints. I want to add that I have yeast that is well over 10 years old and proofs just fine. Yes to keeping in a glass jar in the fridge or freezer.
Rosie S says
Kevin, Just had to tell you that your coffee concentrate and pumpkin bread have become our quarantine staples! I make a caf and decaf version of the coffee pretty much every other day, for both hot and cold drinks, and have gone thru 4 loaves of the bread. Small but dependable comforts!!! You just never know how your blog makes a difference in people’s lives (well, you do now!) 🙂
Dee Otness says
Hi Kevin, I get my yeast (which is instant, called Saf) in a one pound vacuum packed bag for about $4.00 at a local Cash & Carry Store. I pour some in a glass bottle to keep in the fridge and then, like you keep the rest in the freezer. I’ve never had it go bad in the freezer, even after years. Thanks for the tips and all the wonderful recipes! I love getting your weekly e-mails.
kathleen says
Thank You! Thank You! My yeast came UPS late yesterday and I proofed it this morning. I was so excited, it was like getting a really good present. I think I’ve been home for to long but at least now I can try your hamburger buns & bread. Also thank you for your emails, I start everyday I get one with Kevin & coffee.
mlaiuppa says
I always refrigerate my yeast (and thankfully I have a jar that should do me fine) but had no idea you could freeze it. Good to know as I’ve bought in bulk from King Arthur and have never been able to use it all before it goes bad.
Shannon Dominguez says
Hmmm I have the same active dry yeast from Red Star and I paid 4.59 at Costco yesterday….
Thank you for your helpful video!
Tamara says
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for posting this video, I’m going to make my first loaf of bread in my new breadmaker. I wasn’t sure how to handle the yeast, so I looked up videos and yours is the first I watched. I would like to mention that Costco has that same yeast for under 11 dollars. I just wanted to share that bit of info with you.
Thanks again
~Tamara
SoozeSD says
I do no knead with 1/4 tsp yeast for overnight rise. I noticed the yeast doesn’t foam in little warm water and sugar. Is it because of the small amount of yeast?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi SoozeSD – If it is viable, even a small amount of yeast should foam. You might test again, using 1/4 cup warm water, 1/4 teaspoon yeast, and, if you wish, 1/4 teaspoon sugar. (Yeast should foam in 5-10 minutes even without added sugar.)