sweetdexter   10 #1 Posted April 16, 2017 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 Share this content via...
Elmambo   25 #2 Posted April 16, 2017 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 Share this content via...
fatrajah   10 #3 Posted April 16, 2017 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 Share this content via...
Guest makapaka   #4 Posted April 16, 2017 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 Share this content via...
Texas   10 #5 Posted April 16, 2017 (edited) 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 April 16, 2017 by Texas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Ridgehill1 Â Â 10 #6 Posted April 16, 2017 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 Share this content via...
Marky Baby   10 #7 Posted April 16, 2017 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 Share this content via...
Janner   10 #8 Posted May 10, 2017 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 Share this content via...