Bread is considered a staple breakfast across the world for its versatility and comforting taste. It is a perfect accompaniment to many condiments. Whether it’s the softness of white bread, the nuttiness of brown bread, or the wholesome goodness of multigrain bread, each variety must be enjoyed at its freshest.
Keeping bread for a longer period of time can be a challenge, especially in a country where the temperature fluctuates to an extreme level and in households where it is not consumed quickly. Over time, bread becomes stale or mouldy, which makes it unfit for consumption. However, with the right strategies, you can easily extend its freshness and enjoy it for a longer time. Here are six effective ways you can keep your bread fresh:
- Store It Properly
When you want to keep the bead fresh for longer, its proper storage plays a crucial role. First and foremost, you should avoid keeping loaves of bread on the countertop or exposed to the air. This can easily make it stale and speed up the process of mould growth. You can opt to store bread in a cool, dry place, such as a bread box, pantry, or kitchen cupboard. Moreover, if you stay in a humid environment, store bread in a bread bin with ventilation holes to prevent moisture build-up.
- Freeze The Bread
Freezing is considered an effective way to store bread for an extended period of time. Before storing, ensure to slice the bread if it’s not already sliced. This step will allow you to thaw the desired amount you need, preventing defrosting the entire loaf. For freezing, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent freezer burns or moisture loss. You can also use re-sealable plastic bags or airtight containers. When planning to use it, thaw the bread at room temperature or refrigerate it overnight. Reheat thawed bread in the oven or toaster for a freshly baked taste.
- Use Bread Bags
For the unprepared, bread bags are specially designed to keep the bread fresh. They are one of the more convenient options. The bags help to maintain the moisture levels and prevent the bread from drying out or becoming stale too quickly. When you’re buying bread from the bakery, ask for an extra bread bag. You can also opt for reusable bread bags for use at home. Tightly seal the bag to maintain the bread’s freshness.
- Avoid Refrigeration
Most of the time, you’ll find people refrigerating bread after purchasing it from the bakery. Although people think that refrigeration can extend its shelf-life, it may have the opposite effect on the bread as well. The cold temperature of the refrigerator can speed up the staling process, thus making it dry and tough. Also, refrigeration can promote mould growth in humid conditions. Unless you live in a hot and humid climate like India, where bread spoils easily, it is better to avoid refrigeration.
- Use Bread Boxes
Bread boxes are specially designed containers that help store bread at an ideal temperature. In these boxes, there are ventilation holes or slits that allow the circulation of air while preventing excess moisture build-up. Break boxes are of different sizes and styles, which allow for the accommodation of different types of bread, from loaves to rolls. Make sure to invest in a good-quality bread box that is made from a breathable material like wood or bamboo.
- Wrap In Linen Or Cloth
Often, you might have seen your parents or others wrapping bread with linen or cloth. This is done to maintain moisture levels and prevent it from drying out too quickly. You can opt for linen or cotton tea towels, as they allow the circulation of air while protecting you from light, heat, and moisture. Loosely wrap the bread in a cloth and secure it with a rubber band. Avoid using plastic bags, as they trap moisture and promote mould growth.