For many people, the phrase "bread is life" rings very true. However, to love fresh bread, one must also accept its very short shelf life. It's a bummer to pull out a recently-purchased loaf, only to find that it's already tooth shatteringly stale or riddled throughout with mold.
The shelf life of truly fresh (read: preservative-free) bread tends to be a fleeting two to three days. But that doesn't mean you need to carb-load in order to appreciate that crusty sourdough boule or spindly French baguette.
Once you've got a handle on proper storage, you can get a lot more bang for your buck — and your bread. To help, we're sharing the best way to store bread and a few tips on how to keep bread fresh longer.
If you're storing bread on the counter, the easiest way to keep bread fresh is to leave it in the paper wrapping it came in. Then if needed, cover with another paper bag to wrap the cut or exposed end.
Whatever you do, resist the urge to coffin it in plastic. It may seem like a smart move, but the truth is, it prevents the bread from breathing and traps in moisture, encouraging mold spores to propagate faster. Also, be sure not to set it near heat-releasing appliances, like ovens or dishwashers.
Use a bread box
Bread boxes are another good bet (as the name would suggest) for housing bread. Not only can they be an attractive bit of additional kitchen décor, but they effectively let out air, all while keeping your bread safely closeted from pests.
If you don't feel comfortable keeping your bread out, think twice before stashing it in your refrigerator. The heat the fridge gives off causes bread to dry out, while the moisture retained activates mold.
The Best Way to Store Bread
The best thing you can do to truly prolong the life of your bread is to keep it in the freezer. Slicing it first (or cutting it into big chunks) allows you to remove portions as necessary so you don't run into the same problem of handling a whole loaf of bread.
In this case, you can store your bread in plastic. Use either freezer bags or sheets of plastic wrap to keep away ice crystals, prevent freezer burn, and get a tight seal. Remove the plastic when defrosting, so the moisture doesn't leach onto your bread, or stick it directly in an oven or toaster, for warm, fragrant bread that looks and tastes as good as new.
How to Use Leftover Bread
Looking for ways to make use of leftover bread? There are plenty of ways to give that bread new life.
Tear off crusty chunks for this Easy French Toast Casserole, coated with a creamy custard spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar.
Toss it in the food processor for a batch of all-purpose Toasted Breadcrumbs.
Slick cubes of bread with tapenade for Olive Croutons, which are as enjoyable when eaten solo as they are atop soups and salads.
Make this rustic Italian Panzanella, moistened with chopped tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and onions.
*Never keep your bread in the fridge. The starch molecules in bread recrystallize very quickly at cool temperatures, and cause the bread to stale much faster when refrigerated. *Shop-bought loaves should be kept in an air-tight plastic bag at room temperature rather than in the fridge.
A bread box is a great option many home cooks have used for decades to prevent mold growth and staleness. A good bread box has features that support air circulation, which prevents moisture that leads to mold, and it also keeps the bread covered enough so that it does not dry out from being exposed to air and light.
The best container to keep bread in is one that provides airtight protection against moisture and air exposure. Wesco's bread bins are the best choice because of their level of quality and their stylish designs. If you're looking for the perfect bread storage solution, explore Wesco's Bread Bins Collection.
Here are a few reasons why it is not advisable to store bread in plastic bags: Plastic bags trap moisture: Store bread in a way that allows it to stay dry and maintain its texture. Plastic bags trap moisture, which can cause the bread to become soggy and lose its texture.
Maintain optimal storage conditions: Store bread in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Excessive heat can promote bacterial growth, while exposure to light and humidity can accelerate staleness and mold development.
Most bakers recommend storing bread in a cool dry spot, at room temperature. Why? Excess heat and moisture creates mold, and too much air creates stale bread. So yes: a cool dry spot such as a pantry shelf works.
You can keep your fresh loaf in a bread box for a few days. With its dark and dry interior, a bread box helps maintain a decent balance of moisture to keep the inside of the bread soft and its exterior crusty. Make sure there is plenty of room inside for good air circulation.
Because this household staple typically goes stale in a matter of days, the freezer is the best option to keep it fresh; it preserves freshly baked bread at its prime. And helpfully, most bread can be frozen for as long as three months.
Although plastic bags and airtight containers may seem like a good way to keep your bread from going stale, the lack of airflow will foster an environment for mold growth, because the moisture is contained and mold loves moisture. If you want to put your bread in a container, a bread box is the way to go.
Calcium propionate: This is a commonly used preservative that is added to bread to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Sorbic acid: This preservative is added to bread to inhibit the growth of molds, yeasts, and bacteria.
If your bread comes in a paper bag, you're better off swapping it out for a zip top plastic bag or a reusable option. If storing at room temperature, make sure your bread is in a cool part of your kitchen. Heat makes bread dry out faster. And if you're using a sealed plastic bag, it'll cause your bread to get moldy.
To save bread so it stays fresh longer, you can store it in plastic wrap, a reusable zip-top plastic bag, or a bread box. Avoid storing bread in damp, airy locations, which can speed up molding. If you're not going to eat the loaf in two or three days, the best option is to freeze it for later.
Commercial bakeries use two types of ingredients to slow spoilage — emulsifiers and enzymes. Emulsifiers keep bread from going stale by preventing oil and water from separating.
Bread boxes, if you have one, work great, but you can also use wax paper, a beeswax and linen bag, or even a dishcloth. A clean dish towel is one of Hartzheim's favorite options. "Plastic bags help keep the crumb (the interior of the loaf) soft but also make the crust soft.
First, bread boxes will provide a consistently cool — but not cold — environment that will slow the loss of moisture that results in staling, while preventing mold from growing. While we want our bread to retain some moisture so it remains soft, you can have too much of a good thing.
Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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