Yeast James,
I immediately take active dry or instant yeast out of the packaging, put it in a Lock and Lock container and store it in the freezer, only taking it out for a minute or two to measure. That way, your yeast should last at least a year. For instant yeast, I use SAF Gold. Lasaffre is a French company, and SAF Gold is the standard in Europe. Get it from King Arthur Flour.
Jim |