…… Did my storage pancake mix get too hot? (did the yeast activate?)

[1911user]

I have several #10 cans of Augason Farms Buttermilk Pancake mix stored for future use. I've read that if the cans get too warm, the yeast in the mix can activate. Without opening a can and having pancakes for several days, is there an easy way to tell if the yeast activated? I've checked all the cans and can not see any bulging. They use an oxygen absorber in each can to get up to 10 years storage.

If the yeast has activated, is there a risk other than pancakes that don't rise?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Augason-Farms-Buttermilk-Pancake-Mix-3-lbs-4-oz-No-10-Can/22985153

 

[summerthyme]

Hmmm... never knew pancake mix to contain yeast (home made sourdough recipe is different, of course) Usually it contains baking soda or baking powder, neither of which shoukd be harmed by heat, *in the absence of moisture *. That said, pancake mix - in #10 cans- was one of the only things we've had to toss out of the long term storage... ALL of the cans were bulging. Very cool basement, no rust on the cans! I have no idea.

Yours should be fine. IF you find when you make a batch of pancakes that they don't rise, you can just add a bit of fresh baking powder.

And speaking of baking powder, while almost all "experts" will tell you it can't be stored past it's expiration date, I've used some that was FIFTEEN YEARS old, and it worked just fine! Now that they've changed to cardboard cans or plastic containers, I open new containers and transfer the powder to glass canning jars, then seal them tightly. Moisture would be the enemy, but as long as it stays perfectly dry, it lasts a LOT longer than you'd expect.

Summerthyme

 

[1911user]

This is from the can label. It shows 2 leavening agents in the ingredients list. Is either one of those yeast?

I was able to get several of these 3 pound cans of buttermilk pancake mix for less than $5 each last year. That seemed like a good price for a decent amount of comfort food sealed in #10 cans with an O2 absorber. I also have butter powder, honey powder , and local raw honey put away to go with pancakes and other things.

 

[summerthyme]

Nope... you've got baking soda in there, and then I believe those two "leavening agents" probably combine into a "baking powder". Baking soda alone requires some sort of acid to make things rise (remember the grade school science experiments where you mixed baking soda and vinegar?) Baking powder combines an alkaline ingredient with an acidic one... which is why it's so important to keep it dry in storage... the slightest moisture will start to activate it.

Most baking powders these days are "double acting".. they start to work when liquid is added, but then have a secondary action that is triggered by heat. This lets you not have to rush batter into the oven within a few seconds after mixing if you don't want your cake or whatever to be flat. For pancakes, it lets you have more time to cook a big batch a few at a time. This oroduct appears to contain baking soda and a double acting baking powder. Neither should be affected by heat, although the overall storage life for best quality may have been shortened slightly.

Summerthyme

 

[1911user]

Thank you for your expertise. I'm not much of a cook, hence the canned mixes and things that only require the addition of water.
I plan to start rotating food like this at year 5 (out of a rated 10).

 

[Melodi]

I combined baking soda and cream of tartar to make baking powder; 2 parts cream of tartar to 1 part baking soda; it does last a long-long time.

 

[Illini Warrior]

heads up - make sure to stick with the #10 cans from Augason Farms and not the bulk 5 gallon "long term" storage foods - they don't use mylar bagging - in some of their products are still doing a nitrogen purge instead of 02 absorbers .....

 

[1911user]

heads up - make sure to stick with the #10 cans from Augason Farms and not the bulk 5 gallon "long term" storage foods - they don't use mylar bagging - in some of their products are still doing a nitrogen purge instead of 02 absorbers .....

Everything I have from Augason Farms is sealed in #10 or #2.5 steel cans.