IS MY YEAST OK?

Q. “Hi, what is the shelf life of yeast? I bought a 3-pound bag of yeast at Costco about six years ago. I put it into a container with a tight-fitting lid and into the refrigerator. I use about 1/2 teaspoon every two weeks to make my bread. . . . Will a “new” package make my bread better? Should I buy another 3-pound bag? Or buy some of those little packets from the supermarket?” Jerry K., Chicago.

A. Paul Marczyk, head baker at Marczyk Fine Foods, says, “I would use the big bag of yeast if it is still working well. Keep it dry and cool and it will last a long time.” John Hinman, pie guy at Hinman Pie, simply says, “We always use fresh yeast at the bakery.”

I guess the bottom line, Jerry, is if yeast from the big bag is still active and doing its job, keep it. For my part, I’d be interested in getting the most out of my yeast, so I’d refresh my supply perhaps more frequently than every six (or more) years.