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How is nutritional yeast made?
Nutritional yeast is made of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells that are grown for several days on a glucose medium, e.g. molasses. The yeast is then deactivated with heat before it is harvested, washed, dried, crumbled and packaged for distribution.
While brewer’s and baker’s yeast are technically derived from the same species, they are very different products. Baker’s yeast and brewer’s yeast are both purchased alive and are used to leaven bread and brew beer respectively.
What are its nutritional values?
Nutritional yeast is naturally low in sodium and calories and is fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan. It contains selenium – which helps repair cell damage in the body – and zinc, known to aid tissue repair and healing. Nutritional yeast is a rich source of B vitamins and has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
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What is the history behind it?
Although it has only recently become popular, yeast isn’t a new health fad. In fact, a chemist named Atherton Seidell was the first to publish an article about yeast’s potential to treat ‘nutritional deficiency diseases,’ including scurvy and beriberi. At the time, yeast was both affordable and accessible as a by-product of beer.
How should it be stored?
Nutritional yeast doesn’t need to be refrigerated and is best stored in an airtight jar at room temperature.
How do you cook with nutritional yeast?
Not sure how to get started with nutritional yeast? Try these simple recipes:
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