May

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The yeast, which we are used to using so often in the preparation of dough for pizzas or cakes, is a biological product of a concentrated mass of yeast of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yeast has been known since ancient times, and its history can be traced back to ancient Egypt, more than 5,000 years ago.

It is used primarily for its fermenting quality. Over time, it became clear that bread yeast is a collection of microscopic single-celled organisms that do not contain chlorophyll. They are known in microbiology as saccharomycetes. They belong to the class of fungi.

The principle of action of the yeast in baking, the conversion of the product's sugars into carbon dioxide and ethanol. It is no coincidence that in most recipes for cakes, rolls and cakes it is advised to dissolve the yeast in warm water with a little added sugar. This is because sugar, potatoes and eggs help the yeast to grow faster, or in other words, speed up the rising or foaming of the yeast. Additives such as salt and fat slow down this process and are added after activating the yeast.

Photo: Stoyanka Rusenova

Types of yeast

In his own way kind of yeast can be hops, chickpeas, legumes, by purpose - bread - for bakery products), beer - for beer and pharmaceutical purposes). Today in the store we can find fresh diced yeast and dry, instant, which is available in packets. Dry yeast (powder) was invented during World War II.

For the production of various types of yeast (bread, beer, wine) are usually used a huge group of unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms (yeast) from the kingdom of fungi. These microorganisms have the ability to ferment, ie. to convert carbohydrates into alcohol, and this fermentation is used in the production of alcohol, pasta and other products.

Throughout biotechnological selection, certain groups of microorganisms are manipulated that bring more benefits and less or no toxic elements and harms, which led to the discovery of the yeast Saccharomyces (saccharomyces). However, even today fierce opponents of yeast remind that thermophilic yeast is able to cause extreme damage to our body and for their "corrosive" ability there is serious evidence and data. An alternative to yeast is sourdough bread, made with plain, natural sourdough since ancient times.

Yeast composition

Bread yeast is quite rich in B vitamins - B1, B6, B2, B12, as well as many trace elements. Yeast contains large amounts of phosphorus salts, potassium salts, magnesium, sodium, calcium, etc. Due to its richness of biologically active substances, it is a widely recognized tonic.

With its mineral and vitamin composition the yeast regulates metabolism in the body, increases its resistance to disease, preserves it, slows its wear. This increases his chances of staying healthy and able to work longer.

There is a completely opposite theory, which states that yeast destroys sensitive and less protected cells of the body by releasing toxic substances with low molecular weight, which leads to a number of diseases, such as ulcers, etc. In brewer's yeast phytochemicals in the composition of yeast are: Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7 (biotin, vitamin H), B9, B12 and minerals: P, Na, Ca, Mg, K, Zn, Mn, Fe.

Thermophilic yeast (saccharomycetes) in yeast are artificially created. For some, the technology of their introduction can be called downright monstrous and unnatural. These yeasts are bred and propagated in liquid nutrient media - molasses is diluted with water, treated with chlorinated lime, oxidized with sulfuric acid, etc.

Yeast-saccharomycetes (thermophilic yeast), which are used in the alcohol industry, beer production and baking can not be found in natural conditions. Saccharomyces are much more resistant than tissue cells. They are not destroyed either in the process of preparation or by saliva and gastric juices in the body.

Selection and storage of yeast

Whether you choose fresh or dry yeast for culinary use, there can be almost no difference in the end result. However, it remains essential how you will store the purchased yeast. Live yeast is short-lived and should always be stored in a cool place for a short period of time. It is always good to observe the expiration date of the package. In contrast, dry yeast can be stored for a long time, as long as the package is tightly closed and kept in a cool and dry place. You will recognize the spoiled yeast by the extremely unpleasant smell it emits.

Yeast is used in the production of pasta and brewing, but also in healthy eating. This applies in particular to brewer's yeast, which is treated by a technology that kills micro-organisms without affecting the vitamins and minerals they contain, and cooking yeast contains live yeast.

Culinary application of yeast

Yeast is a valuable product in the culinary art, because without it the fragrant and soft white bread or freshly baked bread would not be a fact. This is not an absolute statement, because people have been baking bread with natural yeast for thousands of years, and the end result is unique. Today, however, making live yeast takes a long time for most of us, and yeast is often preferred for making pizza, bread, cakes, rolls, or pastries.

When making yeast cookies, always dissolve the yeast in slightly warm water with a pinch of sugar, which speeds up the yeast fermentation process. Cover the dish and leave the yeast for 20-30 minutes in a warm place. Then mix it with flour and the other ingredients of the specific recipe. We offer you a tried and tested recipe with yeast:

Yeast rolls

flour - 500 g; yeast - 20 g of fresh; fresh milk - 250 ml; yogurt - 100 g; butter - 100 g of cow; oil - 25 ml; sugar - 1 tbsp.; salt - 1 tsp; eggs - 1 piece; sesame - for sprinkling or poppy seeds.

Method of preparation: Mix the yeast with the sugar in the warm milk and leave it warm until it is activated. Sift the flour into a bowl and add the salt, foam yeast, yogurt and oil. Knead a soft dough, finally adding the melted and cooled butter. Leave the dough to rise in a greased bowl in the heat for 1 hour. Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface and divide into 15 balls. Roll each ball into a crust, cut triangles, put stuffing of their choice in the base and roll the rolls. Arrange them in an oiled pan and cover for 15 minutes. Then spread them with beaten egg, sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds and bake in a preheated 200 degree oven. Bake the rolls with yeast for about 20 minutes.

Benefits of yeast

Yeast has a natural organic origin and provides the body with additional amounts of vitamins to food and moderate to high doses of macronutrients and micronutrients in the body in addition to food.

There are assumptions, but no proven facts the yeast lowers cholesterol levels, increases energy levels through the vitamins and minerals contained in brewer's yeast. Brewer's yeast is loved by many athletes because it can improve their athletic performance. Brewer's yeast is believed to lower blood sugar levels and improve immunity.

Harm from yeast

Once our ancestors prepared leavened bread with the so-called. rural yeast from rye flour, oats, barley and wheat. These types of natural yeasts enrich the body with organic acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, pectin and biostimulants. People who are supporters of natural yeasts are completely against making yeast bread.

According to many experts, yeast in yeast acts on plasma membranes in the cells of the body, increasing their permeability to pathogenic microorganisms and viruses. From the esophagus, they pass into the blood and continue to multiply, poisoning the normal microflora, thanks to which the stomach can produce B vitamins and essential amino acids with proper nutrition. Under the influence of bread yeast disrupts the activity of all digestive organs: stomach, pancreas, bile, liver and intestines.

If a person abuses the consumption of culinary products containing bread yeast and acid-forming foods, then the stomach can not long resist this harassment. This burning of the walls can lead to the formation of gastritis (growing into an ulcer).

The processes of putrefaction increase in the stomach, as a result of which pathogenic microflora develops, traumatizing the cilia. The excretion of toxic masses from the body is slowed down, gas pockets are formed, where solid formations (stones) are deposited.

Consumption of products containing thermophilic yeast promotes the formation of solid compounds, which at a later stage turn into stones in the kidneys, bile, liver and pancreas (pancreas). There are data that link yeast to a serious disease - acidosis (acid-base imbalance).

As a result of consuming a lot yeast products, increased fatigue, irritability, rapid physical and mental fatigue, nausea, burning in the throat, gray coating on the tongue, gastritis, dark circles under the eyes, muscle pain and loss of their elasticity (due to increased acidity). The body fights acidosis, losing huge amounts of energy to restore balance at the expense of its own needs.

In such an attempt to recover, the body begins a mass decomposition of a number of vital elements - calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium. This causes the body to remove the necessary micronutrients from the bones, which can lead to osteoporosis. More negative effects of yeast on human health can manifest themselves in swelling of the lower extremities, small pelvis, head and eventually lead to varicose veins, thrombosis, trophic ulcers and decreased immunity.

Decorating with yeast

After the benefits and potential harms of yeast, it is time to pay attention to the appearance, because for centuries yeast has been used for beautification. As a cosmetic, yeast has the ability to rejuvenate and give a pleasant appearance to our skin. Use the beer for external application of the hair, which will help it become much more shiny. In parallel, you will notice that dandruff decreases. Here are some ideas for beauty masks with yeast.

Mask with yeast and milk

25 g of yeast is dissolved with 1 tbsp. raw milk to obtain a smooth paste. It is applied on the face and after 6 minutes it is washed off with a decoction of chamomile.

Mask with yeast against oily skin

For oily skin, dilute the yeast with lukewarm water to a thinner slurry. Wash your face with warm water, apply the yeast. If you have dry skin, add a little olive oil to the mixture prepared in this way.