Fresh Yeast vs Dry Yeast | Which is best?

If you’re into baking your own bread or making your own pizza dough then you are following an age old tradition which requires precision and patience, but the end result is always worth it.

One of the key ingredients in bread and pizza dough making is yeast.

Yeast is responsible for making the dough rise and creating those fluffy, delicious loaves of bread or crispy, chewy pizza crusts.

When it comes to yeast, there are two main types: fresh yeast and dry yeast. 

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of fresh yeast versus dry yeast for baking bread and pizza dough.

Fresh Yeast  

Fresh yeast is also known as cake yeast or compressed yeast. It is made up of living yeast cells that have been harvested and compressed into a solid block. Fresh yeast has a shorter shelf life than dry yeast and must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It is often sold in small, square-shaped blocks that weigh about 0.6 ounces.

Benefits of Fresh Yeast:

1.Fermentation: Fresh yeast is more active and ferments more quickly than dry yeast. This means that your dough will rise faster and your bread or pizza crust will be ready to bake sooner.

2.Flavor: Fresh yeast gives bread and pizza dough a distinct, tangy flavor that many people prefer. It adds a depth of flavor that cannot be achieved with dry yeast.

3.Texture: Fresh yeast produces bread with a lighter, airier texture and pizza crusts with a crispy and chewy texture. The texture of bread and pizza dough made with fresh yeast is softer and more tender than those made with dry yeast.

4.Nutrition: Fresh yeast is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthier option than other leavening agents.

Dry Yeast 

Dry yeast is a dehydrated form of yeast that is sold in small packets or jars. It is easy to store and has a longer shelf life than fresh yeast. It is often preferred by home bakers because it is more convenient to use.

Benefits of Dry Yeast:

1.Convenience: Dry yeast is easy to store and has a longer shelf life than fresh yeast. It is also easy to measure and use, making it a convenient option for home bakers.

2.Availability: Dry yeast is widely available and can be found in most grocery stores. This makes it a convenient option for people who do not have access to fresh yeast.

3.Versatility: Dry yeast can be used in a variety of baked goods, including bread, pizza dough, and pastries. It is a versatile leavening agent that can be used in a wide range of recipes.

4.Stability: Dry yeast is more stable than fresh yeast and can withstand changes in temperature and humidity. This makes it a more reliable option for bakers who live in areas with fluctuating weather conditions.

Conclusion:

Both fresh yeast and dry yeast have their benefits and drawbacks. While fresh yeast is more flavourful and produces bread and pizza dough with a softer and chewier texture, it has a shorter shelf life and must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Dry yeast, on the other hand, is more convenient to use and has a longer shelf life, but it lacks the distinctive flavor and texture of bread and pizza dough made with fresh yeast. Ultimately, the choice between fresh yeast and dry yeast comes down to personal preference and the recipe you are using.

1.Versatility: Dry yeast can be used in a variety of baked goods, including bread, pizza dough, and pastries. It is a versatile leavening agent that can be used in a wide range of recipes.

2.Stability: Dry yeast is more stable than fresh yeast and can withstand changes in temperature and humidity. This makes it a more reliable option for bakers who live in areas with fluctuating weather conditions.

Where to Buy Fresh Yeast and Dry Yeast in Sydney?

If you are located in Sydney, Padstow Food Service is a great place to buy Fresh Yeast. It is inexpensive however being a fresh item needs to be ordered a few days in advance. 

Dry yeast can be purchase from most major supermarkets and also from Padstow Food Service who sells Bakels Instant Dry Yeast which can be purchased online and as it is a packaged dry item, it can easily be shipped interstate by courier or post.

Who is Padstow Food Service?

Padstow Food Service is a family-owned and operated company who have been assisting local Sydney clubs and not-for-profit organisations with their catering and packaging needs for over 30 years. Their Sydney Factory Outlet Shop is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, and they also offer refrigerated shipping in the Sydney Metro area subject to certain conditions.

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