Yeast is a type of living organism like fungi that decomposes food through fermentation. This property is used in cooking to make the dough rise and achieve a fluffier texture. The use of yeast is recorded since ancient Egypt when it was used to make bread. The simple mixture of flour, water, salt and yeast has given life to a food that is as popular as it is versatile. The processes for making yeast have been perfected over time, and today there are several types on the market with small subtleties that differentiate them and that you should know so that your meals are perfect.
Types of yeast
There are two types of yeast on the market, known as baker's yeast and pastry chef's yeast, whose differences make one better for making bread, while the other is more useful in desserts. Let's see what those differences are.
baker's yeast
Baker's yeast, also known as pressed yeast, is used in recipes where the dough is required to rise before being baked. That is why it is ideal for making bread, pizzas, brioches and buns. This type of yeast is easy to find on the market in powder form, as is the case with Fermipan yeast.
The most common presentations of baker's yeast are fresh yeast and dry yeast. Fresh yeast should be kept within a cold chain between 4° and 6°. At home it should be kept refrigerated and when used it should be mixed with water or milk to ensure a uniform mixture in the dough. While dry yeast is dehydrated so it lasts longer and does not need refrigeration.
Pastry yeast
Pastry yeast has different properties than the previous one, since it swells the dough when it is in the oven. It is actually a chemical reaction that occurs between yeast and fat when subjected to heat. This type of yeast is very convenient to use in cakes, pancakes, biscuits and other desserts, hence the name pastry yeast. With this yeast you get a fluffier and visibly more appetizing dessert. In the market you can find various brands such as
Fermipan instant yeast.
We hope that with this article you are clearer about what type of yeast to buy when you go to the supermarket.
