How do I deal with fresh yeast?

[janoel]

I would like to try making Naan bread and the recipe calls for fresh yeast. Got some free from my local supermarket this morning and am doing the test to see if it is OK. It should 'foam' and expand after 10 mins with warm water and sugar. Nothing much is happening except water looks cloudy. Am I doing something wrong? I did use warm water and it is in a warm place but I expected the water to look frothy and am now not sure if it is OK to use.

[woofgang]

use dried, its much easier and has the same effect as fresh!!

[janoel]

Thanks Wolfgang, I certainly will next time. However the yeast is now making sounds as if it is going to blow up so I think I will have a go and use it!

[janoel]

Sorry Woofgang got your name wrong!

[woofgang]

did the yeast work?

[janoel]

Woofgang The yeast worked but the end product was rubbish!!! Thanks for asking. Janoel

[woofgang]

darn it I have tried a couple of times and been unimpressed with the end result...was hoping you had the magic recipe...

[melandraf]

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is helpful in activating fresh yeast. You can but tablets from any old chemist. Try adding one to your yeast and sugary water mix.... gooood luck.

[janoel]

Thanks Melandraf Will try next time but at the moment have given up the idea of trying to make naan bread - I'll just buy it. Janoel

[FTVS]

Janoel i thoink you are correct to give up- I think you need a proper tandoori oven to get naan right.