Does old yeast still work?

[echobench]

Housekeeping fail. I've just found three packs of out of date yeast at the back of a cupboard. The oldest is BBE Feb 2018, newest BBE March 2019. Is it likely to work or should I chuck the lot? Is there a way of testing it?

Probably a thick question. Be kind!

I'd chuck it. Ir wont work properly

Bloom a packet of each in some warm water. If it goes bubbly/foamy, you're good.

If not chuck it.

Just check it by putting a bit in with warm water and sugar. My packet of a year out of date yeast is working fine, and that was an opened packet!

Yes and if it works you can still use it by adding a bit less water in your recipe.

Do the fast action sachets go off? I’ve got some in a cupboard that doesn’t have a date on ( threw the box away ages ago).

..and if it does work, don't throw it away - put it in with the flour and prove as usual, then keep the rest in the fridge - test each time.

I made a loaf with some BBE 2015 and it was certainly on the dense side. I'm up for trying a packet BBE 2017 but DH says buy new please.

Try it! Even when I'm using yeast that's well within its 'use by' date I prove it before mixing into the flour.

Happy to report that I tested one sachet of each and they all bubbled up impressively. Yay!

The best place to store yeast is the freezer. Lasts for ever. Glad yours is still good.

No. It messed up our bread! That’ll teach me for thinking yeast that went out in 2013 would work. Don’t waste your other ingredients by using it.

Maybe there's a point between 2018/2019 and 2013 when it stops working? I'd be a lot more confident about yeast that is 'only' a year out of date.

I've got the same question with fresh. I put most of it in the freezer (little carton from Morrisons with 4 individual cubes in) but kept one out to use now.

Needless to say that the date on it was yesterday and I haven't used it yet and realistically won't get to it until the weekend. Any idea how long fresh yeast lasts after the date? Is there something to look for? I'm not sure if smelling it will tell me anything as it stinks anyway. I'm not worried about poisoning us, just wasting all the ingredients and the effort if it doesn't work.

I think I might try the test upthread as the recipe I want to try involves mixing it with beer and leaving it a day first. I will do that and see what happens.