How to Test Baking Yeast To See If it Is Good

Test your yeast before using it to avoid bread that would make a good hockey puck.

Unfortunately, yeast does not stay good indefinitely. As it gets further past its expiration date, your yeast will become less potent. This can lead to hard, tough loaves of bread that refuse to rise. Instead of discovering your yeast's impotency too late, test the yeast before you begin to use it. While this is significantly more important if the yeast is near or past its expiration date, testing -- also known as proofing -- your yeast is never a bad idea.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 cup measuring cup
• 1 tsp. sugar
• Spoon
• 2 1/4 tsp. yeast, or 1 packet

Instructions

1. Pour 1/2 cup warm water into the 1 cup measuring cup. This water should be between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Going far beyond those temperatures in either direction could lead to inaccurate results.

2. Add the sugar to the water in your measuring cup and stir well with a spoon. Do not stop stirring until you have completely dissolved the sugar in the water.

3. Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the sugar and water mixture in your measuring cup. Stir gently to mix the yeast into the water, then wait for 10 minutes.

4. Return to check on your yeast mixture after 10 minutes has passed. Healthy, active yeast causes the mixture to about double in size, meaning the measuring cup should be full -- or at least very close to the top. If this is the case, your yeast is healthy and you can successfully use it. If not, you will need to purchase new yeast to achieve a good rise.

References

• Baking911.com: Proof Yeast
• Pillsbury: All About Yeast Breads

Resources

• What's Cooking America: Bread Recipe Index