SAF (Saf-Instant) is a brand of instant yeast produced by Lesaffre, a global company specializing in yeast and fermentation products. It’s widely used in both professional bakeries and home baking due to its reliability and ease of use.
In my quest to develop the best Sinless low-carb sourdough recipes, I experimented with various types of yeast. Through this process, I discovered that using SAF instant yeast not only simplifies the dough-making process but also consistently produces exceptional results.
SAF instant yeast has become my go-to choice for several reasons:
- No proofing required: Unlike traditional active dry yeast, SAF instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients without prior proofing. This eliminates the proofing step, saving time and streamlining the bread-making process.
- Versatility: It performs equally well in both oven-baked breads and baked goods and those made in a bread machine.
- Quick activation: The finer granules of SAF instant yeast dissolve and activate rapidly when they come into contact with the moisture in the dough.
- Higher live cell count: The manufacturing process for SAF instant yeast preserves more live yeast cells compared to active dry yeast, resulting in faster and more reliable activation.
- Enhanced performance: SAF instant yeast contains ascorbic acid and other dough conditioners that improve its effectiveness and stability.
Some additional points about SAF yeast:
- Shelf life: SAF instant yeast typically has a long shelf life when stored properly, often up to two years from the production date if kept in a cool, dry place.
- Versatility in recipes: It can be used in a wide variety of low-carb bread recipes, including those calling for active dry yeast, usually with a simple 1:1 substitution.
- Temperature tolerance: SAF instant yeast is known for its ability to perform well across a range of dough temperatures, making it forgiving for home bakers.
- Professional choice: Many professional bakers prefer SAF instant yeast for its consistency and reliability.
- Varieties: SAF produces different types of instant yeast for specific purposes, such as SAF Gold for sweet doughs high in sugar content.