How do you know if yeast is expired?

Question

I put it in water and it dissolved into a paste on top of the water. Is it still active?

Answer 1

I take it you mean dried yeast.  If it's old yeast it may take a little longer to get going.  If it has floated to the top of the water it is probably ok.  Add a teaspoonful of sugar and see if it bubbles, as long as it smells alright I'm sure you can go ahead and use it.

Answer 2

Place it in lukewarm water, and leave it for a few minutes, it will foam.  The other thing is, it should smell like bread, not bitter like beer.

Answer 3

Was the paste all bubbly?  If not then she's dead, Jim.

Answer 4

if it is still good, when you put it in, oh say, 75 degree water, it will "bloom" a sort of coating on the top of the water, if it doesnt or not very much, I would get some new yeast, or it wont rise right. Too hot of water will kill it right away, tho.

Answer 5

All packages and jars have the expiration date on them.  It will look the same if it's expired, but your dough may not rise