Yeast is one of the main ingredients for various food products and beverages, like beer, too. So, naturally, you may want to store it properly so that it can work well on all the ingredients. One of the most common ways to keep yeast is by freezing it. But, is it a suitable method? Can yeast actually survive freezing?
The answer is yes, yeast is capable of surviving on freezing temperatures. You just need to thaw it and make sure that it is at room temperature while using it. After thawing, you can also pitch yeast again as it won’t make any difference in the beer.
In this guide today, I will help you know more about yeast and how you can freeze them and reuse them. So, read on to find out!
Should Yeast Be Kept in the Freezer?
Yes, if you buy a new packet or jar of yeast, you may see that the instructions call for keeping the yeast in either the refrigerator or freezer.
If you keep the yeast in the freezer without opening the new pack, you can use it for up to two years. It would remain fresh. On the other hand, if you have opened the packet already, you can use it for up to six months.
I recommend storing yeast in either the refrigerator or even the freezer. Yeast can decay or die very quickly if it comes in contact with moisture, heat, or air. Hence, make sure you store it in an air-tight container and the freezer.
How Do I Know If I Killed My Yeast?
Before you use yeast in anything, it is necessary to check if it’s alive or not. The best way to do it is by proofing.
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Yeast proofing stands for a quick test that determines whether yeast is alive for use or not. I recommend following the below steps to know if you have killed the yeast or not quickly:
- Take about one-fourth cup of water that is around 110 degrees and fill it in a 1 cup measuring container.
- To that container, add about one teaspoon of sugar. Then, of course, you can add honey too if you want.
- Then, add one teaspoon of your yeast to the water and sugar mixture.
- Stir the water, sugar, and yeast mixture. Let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, you need to check your yeast mixture. There are two outcomes to this:
- If you notice that the yeast mixture has bubbled up, expanded, and has a ‘yeasty’ smell, then your yeast is alive and suitable for use.
- If you notice that the yeast mixture hasn’t bubbled up or expanded at all, then your yeast is dead.
Hence, if the yeast is dead, make sure you buy another packet. Dead yeast cannot act as a leavening agent and can spoil your food or beverage.
What Temperature Will Kill the Yeast?
I have often found that people may kill the yeast due to using the wrong water temperatures during the activation and fermentation process.
So, if you are using yeast, keep in mind that a temperature above 120F is dangerous for yeast. The yeast may start dying if the temperature reaches 120F or more. If it is more than 140F, then the yeast may have already died.
Hence, when using yeast, always make sure that the water’s temperature remains below 120F.
If you want to have a better idea about yeast activation, multiplication, and water temperature, these quick notes may help you:
- Yeast may remain dormant and won’t ferment if the water’s temperature is -4F.
- The yeast’s growth may get hindered at a water temperature between 68F and 104F.
- The yeast grows well between 68F to 71F water temperature. It will also multiply properly.
- The yeast starts fermenting at a water temperature between 81F and 100F.
- Beyond 120F water temperature, the yeast may start dying slowly.
- Beyond 140F water temperature, the yeast may get killed instantly.
These are simply tentative figures. The temperature may slightly vary depending on the type of yeast you’re using – live, active, or even rapid rise yeast.
Does Frost Kill Yeast?
Freezing your yeast won’t kill it, but frost definitely can. Here’s why:
When there is ice formation around the yeast, the sharp ice particles can cause the cell walls of the yeast to burst. Thus, leading to the death of yeast.
For instance, many beer brewers are scared about cold crashing their beer due to this particular reason. However, during cold crashing, the beer must remain in almost freezing temperatures for around 24 hours. So, what should you do to prevent the yeast from dying?
Well, the answer is simple. You need to make sure that there is no ice or frost formation, be it around beer or any other item. Hence, set the temperature accordingly.
Even if you’re freezing your yeast for storage, just make sure that there is no ice or frost formation around it.
How to Defrost Fresh Yeast Quickly?
It is necessary to defrost fresh yeast before you use it. When you keep fresh yeast in the freezer, it may become dormant due to freezing temperatures. Hence, to activate and ferment the yeast properly, first, you need to defrost it.
Let’s see how you can defrost fresh yeast quickly:
Step 1: Transfer The Fresh Yeast To The Freezer
In order to defrost your fresh yeast, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator. Make sure you don’t put it outside immediately.
You need to keep the fresh yeast in the fridge for about 12 hours. If the quantity is more, you may have to keep it in for more hours too. So, it depends.
Once it is defrosted, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Warm The Fresh Yeast At Room Temperature
After keeping the yeast in the fridge, take it outside. Now, you need to let it rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
Also, even if you want to speed up the process, I don’t recommend using a microwave as the high temperature may kill it.
If you want to use your yeast immediately, you may skip this process. But, if you want to get consistent and better results, do follow it.
Step 3: Use The Fresh Yeast
After defrosting and keeping the yeast at room temperature, you can now use it. But, make sure that the yeast feels moist.
If the yeast feels dry after thawing, you may have to throw it and use a new packet.
How Do You Use Frozen Live Yeast?
If you have kept your live yeast in the freezer for storage, you need to let it come to room temperature before using it. So, follow the steps as written below to use frozen live yeast in anything.
Step 1: Take Out The Live Yeast From Freezer
First, if you need to, take out the frozen live yeast from your freezer and bring it outside. Ensure you let it rest at room temperature for the yeast to come out from its dormant stage.
Step 2: Let The Yeast Sit For Some Time
Now, you need to wait and let the yeast sit for about 30 to 60 minutes to ensure that the yeast has come out of its dormant stage.
Step 3: Check The Yeast
After 30 to 60 minutes, you can use the yeast. But, I would recommend checking or proofing it once to ensure that it’s alive and working.
You just need to take half a cup of warm water (around 100 degrees), a teaspoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of yeast. Then, stir the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes.
If you notice that the mixture has become foamy and bubbly, then your yeast is good to go! If not, you need to get a new packet of live yeast.
Step 4: Use It As You Like
If the yeast works well, you can add it to warm water or milk for activation and use it in whatever you like.
How Do I Use Frozen Fresh Yeast?
Now that you know about live yeast, let’s talk about how you can use frozen fresh yeast.
Step 1: Defrost and Thaw The Fresh Yeast
Before you use the fresh yeast, you need to defrost and thaw it. Then, as I have mentioned above, you simply need to keep it in the refrigerator for 12 hours and then keep it at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Test The Yeast
After the fresh yeast is at room temperature, make sure it’s wet and not dry. If it is dry, it is not suitable for use.
If it is wet, you simply need to break it up and put it inside a bowl. Then, add sugar and warm water/milk. Finally, you need to make sure that the fresh yeast mixture has foamed up.
Step 3: Use It Accordingly
Lastly, use the fresh yeast mixture as per your requirements!
Final Thoughts
If you want your yeast to rise and ferment properly, you need to ensure that it is stored and used at the right temperature.
Thankfully, freezing yeast won’t kill it. But, if there’s frosting or ice formation around the yeast, then it can definitely kill it.
Moreover, you should also take care with high temperatures as anything beyond 120F is enough to kill the yeast!