Flavor:
- Alcohols and Esters: Yeast produces alcohols and esters during fermentation, which contribute fruity, floral, or spicy notes to food. These flavors are particularly noticeable in fermented alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and sake.
- Acidity: Yeast produces lactic acid and acetic acid as byproducts of fermentation, which lend tartness and acidity to fermented foods such as sourdough bread, yogurt, and kefir.
- Depth and Complexity: Yeast can also produce a range of other flavor compounds, including sulfur compounds, phenols, and diacetyl, which add depth and complexity to food flavors.
Texture:
- Leavening: In baking, yeast acts as a leavening agent by producing carbon dioxide gas during fermentation. This gas expands and creates pockets of air in the dough, resulting in a light and airy texture. Examples include bread, pizza crust, and pastries.
- Fermentation: Yeast's metabolic activities can break down proteins and complex carbohydrates in food, softening the texture. This is observed in fermented meats (e.g., salami, pepperoni), vegetables (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi), and dairy products (e.g., yogurt).
- Chewiness: Yeast's cell walls contain beta-glucans, which can form gels that contribute to the chewiness of certain foods, such as sourdough bread.
- Crust Formation: In some baked goods, the action of yeast can help create a crispy crust by releasing enzymes that break down starch and caramelize sugars on the surface.