Best yeast?

[rubyslippers]

Hi

I don't have much experience with yeast. so have usually just brought a small box of sachets, but was wondering what is the best type/brand to use?  At the moment I think I would be looking at using it 1-2 times per week.

Cheers

[judydawn]

I buy the Defiance brand rubyslippers because the sachets are 8g.  Tried the fresh which is great if indeed it is fresh but I had a bad experience with some that didn't work and I hate wasting all that effort for no result.  I will only buy fresh now if I see a brand new block has been opened at the shop I purchase it from. Dry works for me though so I am happy to continue with it.

[cookie1]

I use fresh when I can get it. Otherwise I use Lowan that I buy at the supermarket. I keep it in the freezer and use it directly from there. It keeps until it is finished up and always works well for me.

[judydawn]

Is the Lowan one in sachets Cookie?

[containergirl]

I used dried yeast and either use lowan or fermex instant as it is so much cheaper than the sachets.  I substitute 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons for a sachet of yeast.  I use more when the weather is cooler and I am in a hurry.  I keep some in the fridge in and old Lowan container (now 2 years old) and what doesn't fit in that in the freezer and either brand perform well.

The Lowan one that Cookie and I mention comes in a cardboard cylinder type container and the packaging is redish in colour.

[judydawn]

My local supermarket only stocks 2 brands, both coming in sachets.  Must have a look around for the type you use as it has to work out cheaper.  Thanks containergirl.

[achookwoman]

I use the dried yeast and have never had a problem.  It comes with the Laucke flour,  included in the packet of flour.  It is important to keep it well sealed against air and moisture,  I don't freeze mine as I use it quickly.   I believe there is a stronger version of the dried yeast that can be purchased from shops that sell beer making supplies.  Some commercial bakers use this.  It is very expensive.  If you can buy fresh yeast in a block you can cut it into small blocks and then freeze it.  The problem is to find FRESH yeast.

[cookie1]

Thanks container girl. You wake up 2 hours before me over there. .  You can find the Lowan one with all the flour at the supermarket.
I froze some fresh yeast before we went away and when I took it out of the freezer it turned to liquid. Not sure if that was supposed to happen. So now if I can't get over to the store that sells the fresh stuff I use the granules. Hence it's kept in the freezer as it is used intermittently.

[CreamPuff63]

i've never tried fresh yeast. is there an obvious taste advantage over the dried?

[cookie1]

I don't think so CP63, but others may not agree with me.

[rubyslippers]

Thank you for your replies.

DH brought a packet of Defiance sachets when he got some for me the other day.  He said it was the best value of the choices.  I'll have to keep a look out what the other options are in the shops I go to.  The Lowan one sounds good if I can find it.

Fresh just sounds too hard for me.

[CreamPuff63]

I have the Lowan brand in my fridge which I tend to use the most as I think that it is more economical than the sachets. I use the sachets for a quick treat    I must try and search for the conversion for fresh yeast to dry yeast - was it...use half the amount of dry yeast to the amount for fresh yeast ?

[achookwoman]

The Defiance yeast should be fine,  keep it air tight.  Yes CP,  that ratio is correct.

[Thermomixer]

Fresh yeast is my preference, but finding good fesh yeast can be difficult.  I have not had problems with dried and it is ALWAYS on hand.  The Lowan ? is the container that I keep in the freezer.

[joynatalie]

Anyone in the Brisbane area know where I can buy fresh yeast?