Abstract: An active dried baker's yeast having a protein content of 47 to 60% and a high gas production is obtained from new yeast hybrids selected from the group consisting of Ng 2031 and Ng 2103. Drying is carried out by dividing fresh compressed yeast into particles and drying the particles to a dry matter content of at least 85% by contacting the yeast with a drying gas at a temperature of not more than 160.degree. C. in not more than 120 minutes so that the temperature of the yeast particles is held between 20.degree. to 50.degree. C. The dried hybrid yeast show a residual activity of at least 85% of the activity of the compressed yeast when incorporated directly into a dough mixture prior to rehydration or at least 70% when rehydrated before addition to other dough components.

Abstract: High protein active dried bakers' yeast having excellent gas production is prepared from yeast strains Ng 2031 and Ng 2103 having a protein content of 47 to 60%. Drying is carried out by dividing fresh compressed yeast into particles followed by contacting the particles with a stream of hot air initially at a maximum temperature of 160.degree. C until the yeast is dried to at least 85% dry matter content by weight in not more than 120 minutes. The air temperature is gradually decreased so that the temperature of the yeast does not rise above 50.degree. C. A swelling and/or wetting agent may be mixed with the yeast before drying.