How to tell if yeast has failed
Yeast is an indispensable raw material in baking, and its activity directly affects the fermentation effect of dough. However, once the yeast fails, it will cause the dough to fail to expand and affect the taste of the finished product. So, how do you tell if your yeast has failed? This article will provide you with detailed judgment methods based on the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Common causes of yeast failure

Yeast failure is usually caused by:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Improper storage | Yeast activity decreases when exposed to high temperatures, moisture, or sunlight |
| Expired | The activity of yeast beyond its shelf life will decrease significantly. |
| Exposure to too much salt or sugar | High concentrations of salt or sugar can inhibit yeast activity |
2. 4 ways to determine yeast failure
The following are several simple and effective judgment methods:
| method | Operation steps | Judgment criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Warm water test method | Dissolve yeast in warm water (about 40°C) and add a small amount of sugar | If foam is generated within 5-10 minutes, the activity is normal. |
| Dough observation method | Mix yeast with flour and water to form a dough | If the volume increases significantly within 1 hour, the activity is normal. |
| Odor identification method | Smell the smell of dry yeast directly | It is normal to have a strong yeast aroma, but it may be ineffective if it is odorless or has a peculiar smell. |
| Shelf life inspection method | Check the production date and shelf life on the packaging | Unexpired usually available, expired recommended testing |
3. The correct way to store yeast
In order to prolong the activity of yeast, the following storage methods are recommended:
| Save method | Description | suitable temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated storage | Unopened dry yeast | Around 4℃ |
| Cryopreservation | Yeast that has not been used for a long time | -18℃ or below |
| Keep sealed | opened yeast | Dry and cool place |
4. Emergency treatment methods after yeast failure
If you find that your yeast is failing, you can try the following remedies:
1.increase dosage: The dosage of yeast with weakened activity can be increased by 50%
2.Extend fermentation time: Give the yeast more time to do its work
3.added sugar: A small amount of sugar can stimulate yeast activity
4.Replace with new yeast: The most reliable solution
5. Tips for purchasing yeast
In order to avoid buying low-quality or nearly expired yeast, you should pay attention to the following when purchasing:
1. Choose a well-known brand to ensure better quality
2. Check the production date and try to choose the latest batch
3. The packaging must be intact and undamaged to avoid moisture.
4. Choose appropriate packaging specifications based on frequency of use
Conclusion
Yeast activity is critical to successful baking. You can easily determine if your yeast is failing by using the testing methods described in this article. At the same time, correct storage methods can greatly extend the service life of yeast. I hope this knowledge can help you avoid failures caused by yeast problems during the baking process and create more perfect baked goods.
Remember, when you suspect your yeast may be failing, the easiest way to do it is to do a warm water test. This little test only takes a few minutes but can prevent hours of baking effort from going down the drain.
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