Why yeast extract is in tons of foods (and why it's delicious)

Ingredients

• 7 g Active Dry Bread Yeast (one standard packet; use organic if possible to avoid emulsifier)
• 500 ml Water (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (adds savory depth)
• 0.5 tsp Celery Seed (optional, mimics vegetable stock flavor)
• 0.25 tsp Salt (adjust to taste; optional if using salted butter on toast)

Instructions

1. Combine Yeast and Water

   Place the 7 g packet of active dry yeast into the mixing bowl and add 500 ml of room‑temperature water. Stir gently until the yeast is fully dispersed.

   Time: PT5M

2. Set Up Temperature‑Controlled Incubation

   Wrap the bowl snugly with the heating pad, securing it with a kitchen towel or elastic band. Use the thermometer to monitor the liquid temperature and adjust the pad until it stabilizes at about 50 °C (122 °F).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 50°C

3. Autolyse the Yeast

   Maintain the mixture at 50 °C for 24 hours. During this time the yeast cells will undergo autolysis, releasing their umami‑rich contents into the water.

   Time: PT24H

   Temperature: 50°C

4. Separate Liquid from Solids

   After 24 hours, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer (or cheesecloth) into a clean container, collecting the clear liquid (lysate). Discard or set aside the thick yeast sediment.

   Time: PT5M

5. Reduce the Lysate

   Transfer the collected liquid to a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce until the volume is about one‑third of the original (approximately 15‑20 minutes), stirring occasionally.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: Medium heat

6. Season the Concentrate

   Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp celery seed, and 0.25 tsp salt until fully dissolved.

   Time: PT2M

7. Cool and Store

   Allow the thickened extract to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean jar with a tight‑fitting lid. Refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.

   Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

30

Protein

2 g

Carbohydrates

4 g

Fat

0 g

Fiber

0 g