What is yeast cake?

Yeast cake, also known as brewer's yeast or bakers' yeast, is a natural leavening agent used in the baking and brewing industries. It is a single-celled fungus called Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is commonly sold in the form of compressed cakes or as dehydrated granules or pellets.

Yeast cakes have a creamy or solid consistency and are tan or beige in color. They have a distinct yeast smell and are typically wrapped in foil or plastic to maintain their freshness. The cakes are composed of live yeast cells along with other ingredients, such as starch or flour, which act as a carrier for the yeast.

In baking, yeast cake is used to leaven bread, rolls, pastries, and other baked goods. When mixed with warm water or milk, the yeast becomes active, and its cells consume the sugars present in the dough, releasing carbon dioxide gas as a byproduct. The trapped carbon dioxide causes the dough to rise, giving it a light and airy texture.

In brewing, yeast cake is used to ferment malt sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide during the beer-making process. Brewers take the yeast cake from a previous batch of beer and use it to inoculate a new batch, ensuring consistent fermentation and flavor profiles in their beer.

Yeast cake is highly nutritious and contains proteins, B vitamins, and minerals such as zinc and selenium. It also provides dietary fiber and is a rich source of essential amino acids. Some people consume yeast cake as a dietary supplement or nutritional yeast, which has a different processing method and flavor profile compared to baking or brewing yeast.

It is important to store yeast cakes in a cool and dry place, away from moisture and extreme temperatures. When using yeast cake in baking or brewing, it is crucial to follow the proper instructions and ensure that the yeast is within its expiration date to guarantee good results.