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switching to red star dry active yeast

glenlhein's picture
glenlhein

switching to red star dry active yeast

I've been baking about two loaves a week using the regular Fleischmanns yeast. I've been using one packet per loaf, and I've been happy with the results. Yesterday, I bought a 2 pound package of red star dry active yeast (much much cheaper!). My understanding is the Fleischmanns is equivalent to 2 1/4 teaspoons of the red star. Do I have that correct? Is there anything special I shuld know before switching to the red star?

Thanks!

Glen

 

cerevisiae's picture
cerevisiae

Yes, a packet is about 2 1/4 tsp. of dry yeast, or about 7 grams, I think.

I think Red Star is a slightly better yeast than Fleishmann's. I think if you used 2 tsp. even, you'd still be fine, and your measuring would be a little simpler.

If you're concerned about the cost of yeast, you could consider trying out recipes that use a lot less yeast and substitute a longer bulk ferment instead.

There's also yeast water and sourdough options for leavening, but I don't know if that might be too much for you right now. If you're interested, there's plenty of resources on this site to start learning about them.

Postal Grunt's picture
Postal Grunt

Now that you've purchased your ADY, be sure to buy an air-tight container for storing the yeast in your freezer. You can use the yeast straight out of the freezer or keep a small amount in the fridge and the rest in the freezer if that's more convenient.

I purchased a Costco bag of Red Star ADY, kept it in a less than air tight Rubbermaid container in my freezer, and it still works after five years. Now all you have to do is to study the use of preferments and you'll really be on the way to becoming a "thrifty home baker".

alfanso's picture
alfanso

Here is a link to a handy calculator for converting measurements from x to y: 

http://www.traditionaloven.com/conversions_of_measures/yeast_converter.html

alan

glenlhein's picture
glenlhein

I've been using fleischmanns dry active yeast, not the rapid rise. So I'm going to try a simple one-to-one replacement with the red star.