Storage of bulk dry yeast

[judydawn]

Finally bought myself a 500g packet of dry yeast today and can't remember if you store it in the freezer or fridge.  Had a bit of a browse but couldn't find the answer which I know is on here somewhere. 

[fundj&e]

I have found this site very helpful

http://www.bulkfoods.com/active_yeast.htm

ciao

[judydawn]

Thanks fundj, looks like the freezer it will be.

[KerrynN]

That's a great resource page! Thanks Fundj.

I think it solves some of the problems I have been having with my bread. I keep my yeast in the fridge and had been using it straight from there. Based on the advice on this site I should be removing the amount I need and then allowing it to come to room temp and/or ensuring that my liquid ingredients are warm. I guess this means that if I have decided on last minute bread making (most usual situation) I can simply add the wet ingredients to the TM bowl, heat them to 50 (this seemed the closest to the recommended temps) and then add the yeast and dry ingredients.

Fingers crossed!

[Nik2WIN]

I've always used my yeast straight from the fridge, and never have a problem.

FWIW I use the dried instant yeast stuff, buy it in bulk, keep a small tupperware in the fridge and the rest in the freezer.

Nik

[fundj&e]

i keep enough  yeast for 10 loaves in the pantry . I add water to the bowl  for 1min at 37 speed 1 then add yeast give it a mix then add my dry ingredients. By adding the  water first it cuts down the time of keanding , I knead mine for 3 mins

ciao

[Meagan]

I always use my yeast straight from the fridge JD. I have never had a problem 

[judydawn]

OK, it hadn't made it to the freezer yet anyway so I'll leave it in the fridge then. Mind you 500g is quite a bit of yeast - I think it has about an 11 month lifespan on the box and I doubt I would use all of it in that time. At just $8.50 though, it has to be cheaper in the long run. The link fundj posted says to keep it 3 months I think but it does tell you how to check the freshness so that is worth knowing.

[andiesenji]

Put half in a freezer container and freeze it while you are using the rest.

In the freezer it is in suspended animation and you start counting the use by date from when you take it out of the freezer, not the original date.

Mark the original time, how many months to go, on the container - when you take it out of the freezer project that many months ahead and mark that date. 

I'm using some yeast that was purchased in 2008 and has been in the freezer all that time, I took it out last October and it is proofing strongly and should be good for a minimum of nine months.

[JulieO]

Judy, I buy the Lowan brand yeast in a tubular container and keep it in my freezer door and just take out what I need for a recipe and put it back.  It doesn't freeze solid, stays loose. 

[maddy]

I do the same as Julie.

[judydawn]

Thank you all so much for your very wise input.  I shall follow your advice to get the best and longest use from my bulk purchase.   

[cookie1]

I do the same as Julie and Maddy. No problems.

[KatieV]

Ditto to Julie, Maddy & Cookie1.

I actually checked the used by date on mine after reading this and it was out by a few months.  I used it on the weekend without issue for the crumpet recipe from this forum.  So will keep using until I have a floop and replace with new.

Cheers,
Katie

[cookie1]

Since I have been storing mine in the freezer I haven't looked at the use by date. I just keep using it. I finished some the other day that I think I'd had for about 8 months.