How long is bread yeast good for?
I heard about that shortage last year so bought several of these packages then (about last May or June).
They’re just sitting there since, as I don’t know how to use them.
Supposedly, yeast will only last a few months past the expiration date if never opened. Otherwise, keep it in the fridge or freezer.
Yeast lets you know right off if it is old. It won’t bubble in that first cup of warm water at the beginning of your recipe.
At a year old, yours should be ok. Learn to make bread or donuts or dinner rolls, etc.
Dinner rolls are easier to make than a loaf of bread because they bake faster. Start with a recipe that includes potatoes or potato flakes as those tend to be more foolproof, imo.
Donuts are yummy fun but will mess up the kitchen. This lady knows her stuff. She explains the hows and whys. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itdza8kY0zY
Or cinnamon breakfast rolls don’t make that much mess.
Here’s my absolute favorite total no brainer sourdough bun recipe. Mere seconds to prepare the batter and no kneeding! I use little 6” pyrex pie plates and 6” old corning ware sauce pans to bake the sandwich buns so use whatever you might have. Bet it could be poured into a regular pie plate or a muffin tin. A loaf pan might take some tweaking due to the thickness. http://texascookin.blogspot.com/2012/04/if-you-like-schlotzskys.html
Add a 1/4 C more flour to the sourdough recipe to make six 6” buns. Otherwise it makes five.
Put the yeast in the freezer.
I’ve had it keep for years and if it doesn’t proof the way you think it should, just add more.
Re: Not knowing what to do with your yeast stash.
I bake this bread a lot, other than in the heat of summer - and even then, I sometimes do on cooler mornings. ;)
Use a sheet of parchment paper to line the pot before putting in the dough. Makes getting the bread out easier, and clean-up, a breeze.
https://anaffairfromtheheart.com/no-knead-crusty-dutch-oven-bread/
You can also make use your yeast to make homemade wine. Plenty of how-to videos on the web. ;)
I buy 1# of bulk Red Star baking yeast a year and keep in a glass jar in the fridge. Lasts until I use it up. I bake all my own bread.
yeast left the shelves early last march....I'll be getting some more soon....