Tag: Homemade yeast

Wild yeast is present all around us, including on the surfaces of many fruits and vegetables. Yes, raisins do have yeast on them, which is why they can be used to create natural starters for bread and other fermented products. This natural phenomenon is the basis for ancient wine-making and modern artisanal baking, harnessing the microbes that survive the drying process.

Over 1,500 species of wild yeast have been identified, with many found thriving on the sugary skins of fruits and berries. These natural microorganisms are the basis for all fermented foods and beverages, from artisan bread to homemade wine. Which fruits contain natural yeast, and how can you use them to create your own unique ferments?

For thousands of years, all leavened bread was made using natural yeast before the widespread commercialization of baker's yeast took over. This wild, naturally occurring microorganism, captured from the environment, is the very foundation of traditional and artisan baking.