LESAFFRE Premium Fresh Yeast 454g (1 lb) - Professional Baking Yeast for Bread, Pizza & Pastry - Ideal for Home Bakers & Commercial Kitchens

Fresh yeast, also known as compressed yeast or cake yeast, is a natural leavening agent made from living Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. It is cultivated under tightly controlled conditions to ensure reliable performance, high fermentation activity, and consistent baking results. Its moist, crumbly texture and natural leavening strength make it the preferred choice for artisan bakers and professionals alike.

Often considered superior to its dry counterparts in flavour and aroma, fresh yeast is prized for delivering a richer, more nuanced taste in breads, pastries, and fermented doughs. It is compatible with all types of fermentation processes, making it a versatile and effective ingredient in traditional baking.

Advantages of Fresh Yeast:

• Consistent yeast activity and fermentation strength

• Easy to scale and portion

• Delivers premium flavour in finished baked goods

• Kosher Parve and Halal certified

• Works with straight, sponge, and pre-fermentation methods

Storage Guidelines:

• Best used within 21 days if kept below 7°C (45°F)

• Store refrigerated at 2°–4°C (36°–40°F) for optimum performance

• Keep sealed and refrigerated once opened

• Do not freeze

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FRESH YEAST & INSTANT DRY YEAST

• Flavour: Fresh yeast is preferred by seasoned bakers as it is considered to provide a richer, slightly sweeter flavour with a better leavening quality than its dried counterparts.  It is generally considered to have a more complex and nuanced flavour, while dry yeast is more predictable and reliable in terms of rising and fermentation time.
  
  
• Texture: Fresh compressed yeast has a moist, crumbly consistency, like a block of feta cheese. Dried yeast looks and feels like polenta or cornmeal.
  
  
• Shelf life: Instant dry yeast has a much longer shelf life than fresh yeast, remaining usable for months, while fresh yeast must be used in a few weeks and should be stored in the refridgerator.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ON SHIPPING

Pick up is recommended for this product. 

If you choose to ship in the summer, we strongly recommend adding a cold mailer per 454g block to preserve freshness, and select the fastest shipping method available.

Shipping is NOT recommended in winter when temperature is constantly below 0°C. 

We unfortunately cannot guarantee it arrives in the condition as intended for pick up should you choose to ship.  Fresh yeast is non-refundable.