Longer-Lasting Yeast: Store Dry Yeast

in the Freezer
by EMMA CHRISTENSEN

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

There is absolutely nothing more disappointing than getting ready for a big
baking project and then realizing your yeast has expired. Trust me — been
there, done that. But no longer! Stored in the freezer, our dry yeast will keep
for months past that expiration date.

Far from hurting the little yeast cells, freezing puts them in a state of
suspension. Keep them in an airtight container where they are protected
from oxygen and humidity. The glass jar the yeast comes in is usually just
fine. For bulk yeast, I use a canning jar.
You can use the yeast straight from the freezer. Sprinkling it into room
temperature liquid wakes them right back up again. I’ve kept dry yeast in
the freezer for months past its expiration date with no discernable change in
how well the yeast works in my baked goods. I’m currently still working
through a bulk bag I picked up over two years ago!

If you’re ever nervous that the yeast may no longer be good, just test it out
in a little warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it starts bubbling after a few
minutes, then it’s good to go. Also, don’t try freezing fresh “cake” yeast; it’s
different and doesn’t usually react as well to being frozen.