instant yeast
Also known as: rapid-rise yeast, rapid rise yeast
A fine-grained dried yeast that can be mixed directly into flour without proofing first -- unlike active dry yeast, it doesn't need to be dissolved in liquid before use.
Substitutions
- Active dry yeast -- dissolve it in warm water first before adding it to the flour and salt.
Tips & common mistakes
Don't let it touch salt or very hot liquid directly -- both can weaken or kill the yeast before it has a chance to work, so keep them on separate sides of the bowl until mixing, and use liquid that's warm, not hot, if any is called for.
Storage
Once opened, it keeps its rising power much longer in the freezer than in the pantry -- sealed tightly and kept frozen, it stays active for a year or more, while pantry storage shortens that considerably.