yeast

what is yeast

a single celled microscopic fungus used as a leavening agent

how does yeast reproduce

by budding (asexual reproduction)

what is fermentation in yeast

yeast converts carbohydrates into carbon dioxide, alcohol and water

what does CO2 do in dough

forms bubbles that stretch gluten and make the dough rise

what conditions does yeast need to grow

moisture, food (sugar), warmth

why is yeast dissolved in lukewarm water

to wake it from dormancy and allow fermentation

what is kneading and why is it important

working the dough to develop gluten, making it elastic to trap CO2

what is proving

resting dough so yeast produces CO2 and dough increases in size

what happens to yeast in the oven

rapid fermentation at first, then yeast is killed as temperature rises; structure sets

what other reactions occur when bread bakes

gelatinisation of starch and Maillard reaction on the crust