Nothing beats a fresh loaf of sourdough right out of the oven. But, unless you want to eat it all at once, you'll need a way to keep it fresh until you get around to eating the remainder. Sourdough, like any bread, can turn stale and crispy or moist and mouldy if not stored properly. Sourdough bread is distinct in that it has previously gone through a slow fermentation process. The natural fermentation that occurs while manufacturing the sourdough starter produces natural lactic acid, which aids in the preservation of the starter. However, because it does not include preservatives like certain other forms of bread, it will only last a few days if not properly stored. You can keep your sourdough fresher for longer by storing it properly.
Store it at room temperature, unwrapped
Because sourdough bread lacks the preservatives that keep store-bought bread fresh for weeks, it will begin to stale the moment you slice it into a loaf. However, by setting it cut-side down on your countertop or cutting board, you can leave it out unwrapped for up to 24 hours.
Store it at room temperature in a brown paper bag
Avoid using plastic wrap or aluminium foil since both will trap moisture inside your bread and cause it to become soggy (and eventually mouldy). A brown paper bag, which allows the bread to breathe, is your best bet. Bread-size bags are available online, and if you want to be environmentally conscious, linen or cloth bags work just as well.
Keep it in the microwave
It looks like a modern bread box! This approach works because it keeps air out while maintaining a steady temperature and humidity level, preventing stale or rotting bread.
Place it in the freezer whole
If you can resist the need to grab a slice right away, you can keep sourdough bread fresh by storing it in the freezer. After the loaf has totally cooled (and we mean completely), wrap it in plastic wrap, and then in aluminium foil. It will last three to six months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, defrost the loaf on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes before reheating it in a 200°F oven.
Freeze it after slicing it
Allow the bread to cool before slicing it. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them together in a freezer bag and keep them in the freezer for up to six months. This is by far our favourite method for storing sourdough bread because you can take out only what you need, reheat it in the toaster, and continue with your carb-loving existence.