What is yeast extract?
First, let’s understand what yeast is.
This single-celled microorganism belongs to a family of fungi that first appeared hundreds of millions of years ago. Since then, yeast has evolved into approximately 1,500 different species.
One species of particular interest is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whose name comes from the Greek meaning "sugar fungus" or "sugar mold." Also known as brewer's yeast or baker's yeast, it has been used for centuries to ferment beer and wine. Bakers then use the yeast-filled foam produced by fermentation to make leavened bread and other products.
Another type of yeast commonly used in food is Torula yeast. It grows on wood, often forming in the liquid left behind when wood pulp is used to make paper. This yeast can be collected and dried for use in powder form.
Yeast extract is a natural ingredient that can be extracted from fermented baker's yeast or torula yeast. The yeast cells are broken down and the cell walls are removed, producing a yeast extract that contains all the natural components of the yeast cells. It's the combination of proteins and amino acids that gives yeast extract its unique taste. They are usually in dry powder form and are soluble in water, making them easy to transport, store and put into production.
How is yeast extract produced?
Yeast extract production is divided into three stages:
- fermentation
- Precision extraction
- drying
First, fermentation is the process of growing yeast using a sugar source. To promote growth, temperature and oxygen levels need to be well balanced.
Precision extraction involves disrupting cell walls, often using a method called autolysis. But what exactly is autolyzed yeast extract?
The autolysis technique was invented in the 19th century and involves heating yeast cells until they burst. Afterwards, digestive enzymes in the cells produce amino acids and peptides.
Finally, separate using a centrifuge to remove insoluble cell walls. Afterwards, they are filtered and often spray-dried to make them as convenient to use as possible.
That’s how yeast extract is made, but what is yeast extract used for?
Application of yeast extract in food processing industry?
Flavor balance and umami
Thanks to its unique combination of proteins, peptides and amino acids, yeast extract brings out natural flavors and supports the savory properties of foods. High nucleotide yeast extract is especially effective in applications such as soups, dressings and sauces.
Yeast also has a natural umami flavor, which brings complexity and longer-lasting flavor. This unique flavor is attributed to the naturally occurring glutamate in yeast. This amino acid is also found in meat, cheese, mushrooms and tomatoes. Therefore, yeast extract can help enhance flavor perception whenever the umami flavor of these foods is desired.
Flavor delivery
With its incredible versatility, you can use yeast in a variety of ways to build or accentuate flavor.
Yeast extract can impart a variety of flavors, including baked, meaty, and even dairy notes.
This ability is put to good use in vegan or vegetarian foods, especially where alternative proteins are involved. Yeast extract can help provide a convincing salty flavor and mask the off-flavors often associated with plant-based proteins.
Taste enhancer
Of course, when we eat, we don’t just care about the taste. Taste is often what keeps us coming back. For the food processing industry, achieving a unique, desirable texture is a key goal.
This can be especially challenging when you're trying to make meat substitutes feel like real meat. Authentic texture and taste are key to success.
But through clever use of yeast extract, it can deliver the juicy, fatty texture people associate with real meat.
Reduce salt
Excess salt in the human diet has been linked to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, salt reduction has naturally become a common concern for food manufacturers and consumers.
Due to its natural umami flavor, yeast extract can help mask reduced salt content in recipes by bringing out the saltiness of other ingredients and increasing our overall perception of saltiness. Simply put, adding yeast extract to certain foods means manufacturers have the opportunity to reduce salt content by up to 50%. They can do this without compromising taste and flavor, making their dishes healthier.
Yeast extract is a very useful and versatile ingredient that greatly improves the food we eat.
They offer an impressive array of taste-enhancing options. Additionally, they can provide a convincing texture, especially in vegan solutions using plant proteins, which might otherwise not be very palatable.
All in all, yeast extract is an important ingredient in the food processing industry.
