Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast used as a seasoning or ingredient in recipes. It is a good source of protein and B vitamins, and is often used in vegan dishes. It has a long history of dietary use and is popular for its unique flavor.
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast intended for human consumption. It has a distinctive flavor that is often identified as nutty or cheesy. The product is yellow in color and is usually found in flake or powder packets. Most consumers use nutritional yeast as an ingredient in recipes or as a seasoning.
The most commonly used yeast species is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is also often used to make many beers and breads, although these are grown and prepared differently. Unlike these other products, the nutritional yeast has been inactivated, meaning it is no longer alive and will not produce the effects that live yeast does, like yeast. This deactivation is the result of pasteurizing and drying the yeast. While brewer’s yeast often looks like this product, it does taste different, so consumers should be careful when purchasing yeast that they are getting the correct yeast for their uses.
As a nutritional supplement, nutritional yeast is considered a good source of protein and B vitamins, as well as other vitamins. It is a complete protein, containing 18 amino acids. Some brands are fortified with vitamin B12, which is added to the yeast. These benefits make deactivated yeast a popular ingredient and seasoning in vegan dishes, which may lack these qualities. Being low in fat and sodium, the product is often used as a condiment in place of cheese, salt, or butter for vegans and non-vegans alike.
While nutritional yeast is popular among vegans and vegetarians for its health benefits, it’s also a standard seasoning in some areas. Even people without diet restrictions enjoy it for its taste alone. The product is available packaged under many brand names in different countries around the world, although it is often available generically in bulk at these same stores where it is popular. While the product rose in popularity in the late 20th century, nutritional yeast is commonly said to have been used by the ancient Egyptians as early as 1550 B.C. C., so it has a long history of dietary use.
The unique flavor of nutritional yeast makes it a popular ingredient in vegan cheeses, both manufactured and homemade. It is also used as an ingredient when cooking stews, sauces, and other savory foods. As a seasoning, it is often sprinkled on potatoes, salads, or on popcorn. The potential uses for nutritional yeast are as broad as the cook using it desires, and new uses for the product continue to emerge as use becomes more common.
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