Solid yeast (Kokei Koubo)

Solid yeast (kokei koubo) refers to purely cultured yeast that has been dehydrated by various methods into a solid form. Specifically, water is removed by means such as centrifugation, pressing, and drying, and the yeast is processed into a powder or pellets. Solid yeast is easy to store and can be used over a long period while retaining its activity. By contrast, yeast kept in the state in which it was grown in a liquid culture medium is called liquid yeast; because it contains water, it is handled and stored differently. Solid yeast plays an important role in sake brewing, where it contributes to promoting fermentation and shaping the aroma profile.