Jump to content

Anyone remember 'Balm'?

Recommended Posts

I recently started making bread but it does not smell,taste or have the texture of the bread I remember my grandmother making

I seem to remember the yeast was called 'Balm'.It had the texture of firm

What's the difference between Balm and the dried yeast of today?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Going back in time to when my mother had a corner shop. Balm is yeast, it came in a packet that weighed around 1,Lb., and would be cut-up - people would buy an ounce or so as needed. It was solid and soft. a bit like malt loaf ? Can't remember the name on the packet, but I'm sure I will when I've posted this !

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I always thought it was spelt "barm". It was available at my local Morrisons until fairly recently. Barm is just another name for bread-making yeast. The dried variety is, just as it says, dehydrated yeast. As far as I remember, dehydrated yeast needs to be reconstituted by dissolving in a warm sugar solution & does not perform as well as yeast in its natural state. By the way, aren't breadcakes referred to as barm cakes in Lancashire?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest makapaka
I always thought it was spelt "barm". It was available at my local Morrisons until fairly recently. Barm is just another name for bread-making yeast. The dried variety is, just as it says, dehydrated yeast. As far as I remember, dehydrated yeast needs to be reconstituted by dissolving in a warm sugar solution & does not perform as well as yeast in its natural state. By the way, aren't breadcakes referred to as barm cakes in Lancashire?

 

Yes - my dad's family were from Liverpool and I was always confused when asked if I wanted cheese or ham on me barm cake!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I recently started making bread but it does not smell,taste or have the texture of the bread I remember my grandmother making

I seem to remember the yeast was called 'Balm'.It had the texture of firm

What's the difference between Balm and the dried yeast of today?

Believe me Dex, any bread will ever taste like, or will ever smell like, or have the texture of the bread your grandma made. I've had this trouble for years. Another one is Lemon Curd. My grandma' made a lemon curd pie like you wouldn't believe. Never found out the secret don't think I ever will.

Edited by Texas

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ate it as a kid whilst mum made bread Sunday. Recollect it in terracotta dishes at the grocers, greaseproof paper on top, cut to weight when required. Tasted ok but then again ration era kids were always open for a snack.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Fresh yeast is still available to buy at Morrisons. It's sold as 4 cubes each wrapped with foil on a tray wrapped in cling film and you'll find it in the fridge near the ready made pastry.

If you ask at the bakery department at either ASDA or Sainsburys they will usually give you some for free.

A recommendation for making bread, is to use "Carrs" breadmaker flour. Sainsburys stock it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In the 40's at Hatfield House Lane shops a man used to deliver balm to the local bakers.

Nothing unusual about that except that for his transport he had a motor bike & sidecar, the bike had an underslung fuel tank & hand gear change . Even in those days the bike was really old.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.