How to Store Nutritional Yeast Flakes
Natural food markets sell nutritional yeast flakes in bulk. Since nutritional yeast is used as an additive and seasoning to food, it's unlikely you'll go through a large amount of it in a short time. Storing it in a healthy way is crucial; those produce bags from the store won't do. Simple airtight glass containers or freezer bags help keep your nutritional yeast flakes fresh and tasty for a long time. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Airtight storage containers
- Plastic zip-seal freezer bags
- Shake-top jar with lid that closes
- Wide-mouthed funnel
- Sheet of clean paper
Instructions
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Measure out how much yeast you may use in the next month or few weeks. Pour this amount into a shake-top container with a lid that can be sealed, such as the type sold with grated cheese inside. Use a wide-mouthed funnel or a rolled up sheet of paper to avoid spilling.
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Pour the remainder of your nutritional yeast into large, airtight storage containers, preferably glass. Seal the lid. If desired, label the containers with labeling tape or by writing "nutritional yeast" and the date on a piece of masking tape and placing it on the container. Place the containers in a cool, dry place or on the counter away from the sink.
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Determine whether you will use all the yeast in the container within six months. If not, you may want to store some of it in the freezer. Pour some of the yeast into freezer bags. Squeeze the air out of the bags and seal them. Store the bags in the freezer for use later. Nutritional yeast has a shelf life of up to two years if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, and about one year after opening, under the same conditions. It will keep a little longer in the freezer.
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Tips & Warnings
Jars with shake-top lids, such as those from parmesan cheese, are good for storing nutritional yeast as well.
Plastic containers can be used as well, but glass better for keeping odors and chemicals away from the yeast.
It's not necessary to store nutritional yeast at room temperature. It will do well in the refrigerator also. Be sure it is kept air-tight to keep out odors. If you've stored it in the refrigerator at all, do not revert to keeping it on the counter as moisture may have gotten inside. Place any refrigerator-stored nutritional yeast back in the fridge when done using it.
Always store nutritional yeast in a dry place. Damp weather may create moisture inside the bag or jar.
If storing yeast in the freezer, keep it away from strong-smelling foods such as fish, as it may pick up the odors. You could double-wrap the yeast (or fish), if necessary.
It's best not to store nutritional yeast in its original packaging, as it's not airtight. Bulk bags such as those found in the produce section tear easily and could be tempting to animals in the house.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit food canisters image by Brandon Wagner from Fotolia.com
