Yeast

In science we are learning about yeast. Here are some things about yeast.

Yeast is a type of fungi that is microscopic. It is shaped like an egg. Yeast has also been used for hundreds of years. Yeast has to be woken up from a hybornation state. Yeast is all around us, and it isn't just in a packet. When you make bread the yeast eats the sugar that then preduces gases that then expands the bread.

Ginger beer. Aim: To look at how yeast is used in foods.

Equipment:

Spoons

Kettle

Bowl

Beaker

Cloth Sieve

Funnel

Plastic (PET) bottle and cap

Materials

Bug (For a group of 3)

50ml warm water

1/2 tsp active dried yeast

1/2 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp ground ginger

Ginger Beer (For 1 litre)

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

1L cold water

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tsp ginger beer bug

Method

1. In a large bowl, put the sugar and cream of tartar, then add the warm water.

2. Stir to dissolve the sugar before adding the cold water.

3. Add the ginger beer bug to the large bowl of cold water.

4. Stir well and then pour into your clean bottle.

5. Label your bottle with your group names.

6. Place all the bottles in the class container.

7. Store in a cool, dark place for one week before drinking.

8. Make sure you open the bottle in the kitchen sink as it might overflow. Open the cap a bit by bit to allow the air to escape.

The ginger beer must be drunk over the 6 days.