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Letter Re: Long Term Yeast Storage
Jim:
I did some research on the storage life of yeast. I started with this article: Red Star Yeast which sates:
“Each package and jar of dry yeast is stamped with a ‘Best if Used by’ date. This date is two years from the date the yeast was packaged. The month and year reflect when you should use your yeast by. The last 4 digits are for manufacturing purposes and have nothing to do with when to use the yeast by.
“Example of code: FEB 2010 08 09 – Use by February 2010
“Unopened packages and jars should be stored in a cool, dry place such as a cupboard; and can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Yeast is very perishable when exposed to air, moisture and/or heat. Once your package or jar is opened the yeast must be refrigerated or frozen in an airtight container (see storage tips below). Under these conditions, we recommend using the Dry Yeast within 4 months after opening if refrigerated, or within 6 months after opening if frozen.
“Dry Yeast should be at room temperature before using . When you are ready to bake, take out only the amount of yeast needed for your recipe and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before using. Immediately put remaining yeast back into storage, following the storage tips below.
Yeast is a living organism, and will lose activity over time – even if the package is unopened. If you are unsure of your yeast’s activity, perform the Yeast Freshness Test before using.”
SAF Yeast
“We offer SAF yeast in vacuum sealed 1 lb. packages. The yeast is granulated and until the package is opened it feels almost like a solid brick because of the airtight vacuum seal. The packages are printed with the date of production as well as a “best if used by” date. The “best if used by” date is set 1 year from the date of production, and in doing this, SAF assumes that you open the package as soon as you get it and keep the entire opened package at room temperature. Instead, we recommend that you open the original container and pour a portion of it into a small resealable container to keep in your cupboard (not out in the light) for daily use (a baby food jar works fine.) Then roll the top of the SAF container down, clip it so it doesn’t unroll, and store it in your freezer. Kept this way, the yeast in the cupboard will be good for a least 1 year and the remaining yeast in the freezer will remain good for a minimum of 5 years. We know from experience that SAF yeast, stored frozen in a re-closed container, retains its potency for several years. If you have a small airtight container for the frozen yeast, that can be used in place of rolling and clipping the foil pouch. When you transfer more yeast to your cupboard container, that yeast will remain good for another year in the cupboard.
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