How to store bread? Practical Tips

Proper storage of bread is the key to maintaining its perfect crispy crust and fresh taste for as long as possible. And even if a few days after the purchase, the bread will not be as tasty as after baking, you can enjoy one loaf much longer, following a few basic rules. We advise how to properly store bread.

How long can bread be stored? Optimal date

To correctly answer this question, you must first separate the composition of store-bought bread from bread bought in a small bakery or homemade bread. Store-bought bread, buns or baguettes, or those bought from chain bakeries, may contain preservatives that extend their lifespan. Unfortunately, this is usually the case with bread from supermarkets. On the other hand, in homemade bread or bread from a small local bakery, you may only find basic ingredients such as flour, water, salt, and possibly grains, sourdough or yeast. Thus, the optimal shelf life of bread, depending on its “origin”, is:

• about 7 days at room temperature - for bread with preservatives,
• approx. 2-4 days at room temperature for preservative-free breads (e.g. homemade cakes).

You should also pay attention to the type of bread, because depending on the recipe, some can simply go bad faster than others. A good example is gluten-free bread, which rots faster than, for example, wheat bread due to the high humidity.

How bread is stored is equally important. Placing it in the wrong place or storing it in the wrong packaging can cause it to go bad much faster than it should. So how do you store bread to prolong its freshness?

How to store bread? Basic Rules

Keeping bread fresh as long as possible is easy. It is enough to provide him with ideal conditions: store in a dry, clean place at room temperature (18-22 degrees C).

Excess moisture that gets into the bread contributes to the growth of mold, which means it accelerates putrefactive processes. The same thing happens when we do not maintain the correct temperature. Too high bread begins to infuse, which is manifested in its overdrying (loses its natural moisture). Too low can, in turn, provide excess moisture outside. Bread or rolls should definitely not be refrigerated or wrapped in cling film or aluminum (which will cause it to overheat).

Equally important is the cleanliness of the place where the bread is located. If the previous loaf stored in the loaf is covered with even the slightest layer of mold, the whole loaf should be thoroughly cleaned before laying the new loaf. As long as the mold bacteria are not visible in it, they are definitely inside and will quickly move to the next loaf. Therefore, it is best to regularly disinfect the inside of the backpack, for example, by wiping it with a mixture of water and vinegar (which has a germicidal effect).

And how to store bread in a satchel - in bulk or in a bag? When buying sliced ​​bread, it is worth taking it out of the factory foil (which can cause it to swell). Both the whole loaf and the slices are best placed in a linen or cotton waste-free bag. When visiting a bakery, it is worth having it with you and asking to put the bread inside it, and not in a plastic bag - this will help reduce the amount of plastic generated.

Linen bags provide the bread with sufficient air humidity, so that the bread or rolls stay fresh longer. In addition, such a bag is very easy to keep clean - just wash it in the washing machine.

Which backpack to choose for storing bread?

Looking through the range of kitchen utensils, it is easy to see how wide the choice of different knapsacks is. Wood, bamboo, metal, plastic… what to choose to keep bread fresh as long as possible?

• Bamboo loaves - bamboo is one of the most fashionable interior materials. Undoubtedly, it owes its growing fame to its ability to be biodegradable - it replaces plastic for items such as toothbrushes or soap pads. An additional advantage of bamboo is the combination of very high resistance to mechanical damage with exceptional lightness. The backpack from it is difficult to damage, and at the same time it is lighter than most other models. In addition, the bread is provided with the appropriate humidity and temperature.
• Wooden loaves are much heavier than bamboo and the most traditional ones. For years, they have been favorably chosen due to the fact that the bread inside is in the right conditions (as is the case with bamboo), which keeps it fresh longer.
• Metal backpacks are very resistant to mechanical damage and moisture. It does not absorb moisture from the outside (which can happen with natural fiber models) and significantly reduces the risk of premature mold formation. Metal, however, heats up quite easily, so make sure that the knapsack is in a shady place, away from the stove, so that the bread does not boil in it.
• Plastic moccasins attract with their low price, but due to the fact that they are made only of plastic (and there is no metal or wood inside, for example), they do not provide proper air circulation to the bread, and therefore lead to its brewing.
• Ceramic and clay knapsacks are two extremely heavy materials, but such a knapsack allows you to create ideal conditions for storing bread. It does not absorb odors and moisture, and at the same time does not completely block the access of air. Provides adequate circulation, usually through small holes. This bread storage solution is also very easy to clean.

How to store excess bread? Freezing is one way

A bread bag and a linen bag are good ways to store bread for every day. However, when there is a need to significantly extend the life, for example, of an extra loaf before a long journey, so that it is usable after returning, then freezing works. Bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Regardless of whether it is cut or not, it is enough to pack it entirely in a shopping bag designed for freezing food.

The key to proper bread storage is to choose a backpack made of the right material and equip yourself with a linen bag to prolong freshness. Freezing is no less useful, as it reduces the amount of spoiled bread. Choose the right gadgets and make your kitchen more practical!