Help! can I freeze fresh yeast?

[plot51A]

I've recently started making bread again and discovered that fresh yeast must be the only thing that the supermarkets actually give you for free!
Was given  really big lump in Asda today - it weighs 320 gms so no way will it get used quickly. Please - any tips on the best way to freeze/store it?
Many thanks  :)

[plot51A]

[tim]

Yes!

[Curryandchips]

A fascinating question, as even the experts seem to disagree. The general concensus is that freezing can slug the power of yeast, but will not kill it. Since it recovers rapidly when activated, I conclude that it can be frozen ok.

Did you notice that Tim managed to say all this with only one word !!!

[MollyBloom]

Yes, cut it into chunks big enough for one loaf, then wrap each one in cling film before freezing - makes it easier to defrost just enough to use at one time. Not sure how long it will stay effective - my memory is bad these days (I am very old) but 6 months seems to ring a bell in the old grey matter. I've found that frozen yeast needs a bit longer rising time, but other than that it should perform OK. Hope this helps.

[plot51A]

Thanks all - very helpful

[euronerd]

Ice cube trays. Each cube weighs about 1/2 ounce, from memory. E.g. I seem to remember buying it in 5oz packs, so just divided it into 10.

Geoff.

[grawrc]

Yes! ;D ;D ;D

[plot51A]

What a brilliant idea!  ;D

[supersprout]

Thanks for the tip re fresh yeast periwinkle, will give the bakery team the glad eye when next in Asda! :o 8)

[tim]

I'm going to give this a whirl - from today's mag:

[supersprout]

Maybe that's why the patootie water bread tasted so good today! Looks good (and Rusticke) tim, good luck - my sourdough experiments have been hard as rocks (perhaps that's what is meant by 'chewy' ??? ;))

[tim]

!!

[Curryandchips]

Perhaps this might be the turning point in persuading me to get a breadmaker? The excitement of having my own wild yeast factory ...