How Yeast Functions

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Published 2022

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Yeast needs two main things to thrive: moisture and a food source. Sugar is the food yeast feeds on, but a dough does not actually need sugar for the yeast to have a food source. When flour is hydrated, the starches break down into simple sugars, which the yeast can then use for food.

When yeast is put into a dough, it wakes up and begins feeding, creating carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. This process is called fermentation, and it leavens and flavors the bread.