It has already happened to many of us that when we bought fresh, fragrant bread, the next day it was already hard and dry. Although this problem plagues most pastry lovers, it turns out that the key to its longer shelf life is proper storage. Thanks to it, you can enjoy the softness and rich taste for a longer time.
- Correct storage of bread prolongs its freshness and softness.
- The refrigerator is not suitable because it speeds up the drying of the pastry.
- Wrapping in a kitchen towel reduces humidity and prevents the formation of mold.
- Wooden bread boxes with ventilation support ideal storage conditions.
- Freezing sliced bread extends its shelf life for up to three months.
Avoid improper storage of baked goods
The fridge often seems like a good option, but it’s actually one of the worst places to store bread. The low temperature changes the structure of the dough and accelerates its drying. This process causes the pastry to lose its freshness within a day or two. In addition, uneven humidity in the refrigerator can rob bread of its soft and airy texture, making it bland..
Plastic bags are another common storage choice, but they also have their drawbacks. They trap too much moisture, which encourages mold growth. Although the bread may remain soft, it will begin to “sweat” inside the bag, accelerating mold growth and shortening its shelf life..
You should not put bread in the refrigerator. (illustrative photo)
Source:
iStock
How to keep bread fresh longer?
Experienced bakers and home cooks instead rely on the tried-and-true method of wrapping pastries in a kitchen towel to keep them fresh and soft. The fabric absorbs excess moisture while allowing sufficient air circulation to prevent mold growth.
For even better results, keep the right balance of temperature and airflow. Wooden bread boxes with small ventilation holes are ideal. These ensure controlled air circulation, which removes moisture and at the same time preserves crispness. For optimal storage, special fabric or linen bread bags can be used instead of kitchen towels.
Wooden pastry boxes are suitable for bread. (illustrative photo)
Source:
iStock
Not all types of bread are equally susceptible to mold or drying out. Whole wheat and yeast breads contain more fiber and moisture, so they are less prone to the formation of unwanted mold. However, proper storage is especially important for them to preserve their freshness. Conversely, white bread with a high wheat content loses its freshness faster.
If you have excess bread at home, freezing it is a good option. If it is sliced and stored in the freezer, it lasts up to three months and can be reheated as needed.
If the bread hardens or becomes moldy despite preventive measures, the only option is to dispose of it. But to avoid waste, its leftovers can be turned into delicious dishes. Older but still edible bread is ideal for preparing the popular Italian bread salad Panzanella. You can combine small pieces of bread with tomatoes, onions, basil and a tasty dressing, thanks to which you will create a tasty side dish.
Another favorite delicacy is croutons. To make them, you need to mix bread cubes with olive oil, salt and herbs and then bake until crispy. This dish is a great addition to soups and salads.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
