Can you freeze yeast? How long will it keep once its opened? Heres how to ensure that bakers yeast lasts as long as possible.
It’s heartbreaking to put time and effort into baking bread only to have it ruined by sluggish, old, or inactive yeast. If you’d like to stock up on yeast but are worried about how long it’ll last, here’s how to store yeast so you can count on it giving you poufy proofed dough during its optimal window of use!
Fresh Yeast
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Type of Yeast:
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Active Dry & Instant Yeast
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Fresh Yeast
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Storage
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Cool, dark place Refrigerator Freezer
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Refrigerator
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Shelf Life
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2 years (unopened) 4 months (opened, refrigerator) 6 months (opened, freezer)
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2 weeks (refrigerator)
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How Long Does Yeast Last?
Sealed, unopened dry yeast keeps about 2 years. Chilling extends its life span, which is why it’s best to store dry yeast (unopened and opened!) in the refrigerator or freezer.
Always look at the best-before date before purchasing a bag or jar of yeast, then buy the freshest one.
Opened active and instant dry yeast will last four months in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer.
Fresh yeast (also called cake or compressed yeast) will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator and should not be frozen.
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How to Store Open Yeast
Keep it airtight. Exposure to air will shorten the life of yeast. If the yeast is in an open envelope, fold down the top and seal the envelope with tape, a paper clip, or a rubber band. If it’s in a bag, press as much air out of the bag as possible, tape or rubber band it up, and then seal it in a zip-top bag. You can also transfer the yeast to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Don’t forget to label! Before storing, label the bag, container, or jar with the date it was opened or the use-by date (four months out if youre storing it in the refrigerator or six months out if youre storing it in the freezer).
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Storing Dry Yeast Long Term
FAQ
Does yeast in a jar go bad?
Is it OK to use expired yeast?
How can I tell if yeast is still good?
How long does yeast last in a container?
How long does yeast last in the fridge?
For better shelf life of ANY yeast, consider storing in the refrigerator. Tip: For best results, do not store fresh yeast in the freezer. Generally, sealed packages of dry yeast can last around two years, with the exception of fresh yeast that’s best used within several weeks of purchase. Keep opened jars in the fridge for up to four months.
How long does nutritional yeast last?
It depends on how much you are going to use per day and/or per preparation. There is no way to estimate the time without knowing what your consumption needs are.
How do you store yeast in a jar?
If the yeast is in an open envelope, fold down the top and seal the envelope with tape, a paper clip, or a rubber band. If it’s in a bag, press as much air out of the bag as possible, tape or rubber band it up, and then seal it in a zip-top bag. You can also transfer the yeast to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
How long does dry yeast last?
By contrast, active dry yeast and instant yeast are freeze-dried. Freeze-drying puts the yeast in a sort of hibernation so it lasts much longer. Unopened, packets of instant and active dry yeast should last 2 years. Red Star Yeast, for example, puts the “Best If Used By Date” for their dry yeast at two years from the date the yeast was packaged.