Freezing yeast

[panidaduo]

I bought a batch of a dozen yeast strains in bulk. Does anyone know if they can be frozen for any legnth of time and used sometime later, without losing effectiveness?? Thanks, Bob S

 

[Runningwolf]

I would keep it in the refridgerator. Bring it back to room temperature before hydrating. I only do this if I have an open package otherwise I do not chill them.

 

[Tom_S]

It's my understanding that you should never freeze yeast. I keep my yeast packets in the refrigerator which should make them last longer, but packets of dry yeast should still last for a long time even at room temperature.

 

[cohenhouse77]

I keep mine refrigerated because the temperatures fluctuate so much in my house by sometimes 10 degrees so that adds stability in my mind. You can freeze slurry, but I wouldn't freeze the yeast packs.

 

[oldwhiskers]

There was a Lallemand study I read where they froze yeast and determined that freezing it did not significantly degrade it. I keep all of mine frozen (packets) and generally pull one out the night before or generally not less than 4-hours before re-hydrating. I have had yeast in the freezer for up to a year with no problems, I date the packets when I put them in the freezer in a ziplock bag.

 

[Pumpkinman]

Good thread! I've also have frozen portions of a larger packet of yeast when I cannot find a 5-8 gram packet, Oldwhiskers has a good point about letting sit for a few hrs before hydrating, I've tried to take it from freezer to water at 100° with little to no activity, but after waiting for it to come to room temp, it worked great.