Glossary

Instant yeast

Instant yeast is a dry baker's yeast with finer, more porous particles than active dry yeast, so it absorbs water quickly and can usually be mixed straight into the flour. It matters because it needs no separate dissolving step and often starts a little faster. Brands sell it as quick-rise, rapid-rise or bread machine yeast. Red Star and King Arthur both say the two dry types can be swapped one for one in most recipes, though bread machines may need about 25% less instant yeast. See also: Active dry yeast, Fresh yeast and the guide "Substituting Between Yeast Types in General Terms".