How to Store Bread the Right Way
Sep 14, 2020
Posted by: Support Troops
We take our bread seriously, and it’s a bummer to let even a few slices go to waste.
Everyone’s been in that tough situation where a loaf is lost to just a little bit of mold.
While this scenario is often unavoidable, there are a few things in your control that can extend the lifespan of your bread. Proper storage is the most important of the lot.
Today we’re looking at how to store bread the right way, and we will give you some tips to make those loaves last as long as possible while still retaining their taste.
Has my bread gone bad?
Before we talk about storage, you should know the signs that your bread may not be worth saving.
First off is mold. If your bread shows even a speck of mold anywhere on the crust or the crumb, you need to cut your losses and toss the whole thing in the trash.
The tiniest bit of white, green, blue, or dark mold can mean that the entire loaf is affected, and it’s not worth risking your health to enjoy a piece of toast or sandwich.
Don’t cut around it, don’t grab a piece from the other side of the bag, and don’t ignore it.
Sometimes, mold happens on the interior of the bread and can’t be seen by the human eye. Use your sense of smell to guide you in this situation.
If you take a whiff and get any trace of vinegar, rot, or just an unusual not-bread smell, it means the loaf is past its prime and needs to be tossed.
As far as staling goes, there is way less risk involved, although you may not be satisfied with the quality of the bread if you enjoy it untoasted.
Bread gone stale just means that starches have crystallized with the water molecules, resulting in hardening and loss of flavor. It’s still safe to eat, and not that bad if you give it a good toast.
Of course, the taste will be your final test to determine the freshness and safety of your bread.
If you have a hunch that the bread does not taste the same way it did yesterday, don’t second-guess your instincts.
You should spend any time trying to convince yourself that the bread is safe to eat!
Any sourness, bitterness, or unwanted tanginess means the bread is a lost cause.
Knowing these signs can help keep your stomach happy when dealing with bread on the edge of expiration.
Keep it fresh on the counter
Now that you can quickly determine when to part ways with bad bread, you should know how to store it correctly so you don’t find yourself in that situation more than necessary.
When keeping bread out in the open kitchen, it’s important that it is not positioned near any sources of heat such as the oven, the dishwasher, or on top of the fridge.
It doesn’t take much heat to loosen the water molecules from the starch within the bread and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
The ideal spot on the counter will be dry, shady, and relatively cool in temp.
Even better than countertop storage is a bread box, which keeps out excessive moisture, sunlight, heat, and other factors that can accelerate expiration.
No matter how your store your bread at room temperature, you’ll want to wrap it with care. Parchment paper is a great material because it is more breathable than plastic.
Simply leaving bread in the bag from the manufacturer is not the move.
In plastic, bread becomes moldy far quicker, so if you aren’t able to manage a tight wrap, try to keep it closed in a paper bag instead.
Many specially-made bread containers and reusable bags have also come to market in recent years, so it may be worth picking up some of these products.
On average, store-bought bread can stay fresh on the countertop for about a week, while bakery bread will only last a few days before going bad.
Folks bring up that their food is loaded with too many preservatives, but often overlook the fact that these chemicals do a fine job at extending shelf life!
However, you should be skeptical of bread that can last more than 10 days out in the open without seeing any change in quality.
Freezer versus Fridge
If you aren’t convinced you can manage the bread box or counter storage methods, you’ll want an extra layer of protection against early expiration.
This is where the refrigerator can be a huge help.
The double-wrap technique discussed earlier still applies when storing bread in the fridge, but keeping that bread in a plastic container can make it last even longer.
One layer should be done with parchment or wax paper, while the next one can be a tighter wrap of plastic or cellophane.
When stored in the fridge, the expiration date of most bread can be pushed back by at least a few weeks.
Yes, the texture of the bread will change and appear to have gone stale, but according to an article from Chatelaine, that is perfectly normal and not a signal to throw it away.
As famed food scientist Nathan Myhrvold explains, the hardening that takes place in the fridge is an indication that starch and water molecules have re-crystallized, something that can easily be reversed with a couple of minutes in the microwave or oven.
Bread does even better in the freezer than it does in the fridge.
The lifespan can be extended for several months if done properly, and pre-slicing a loaf prior to freezing is a fantastic way to prepare for easy access.
Myhrvold makes the point that bread in the freezer should never be left out to thaw, however intuitive it may seem. The toaster method is still optimal.
Storing healthy bread
Keeping most bread on the counter, in the freezer or fridge is no problem, but when dealing with sprouted grain bread and other specialty loaves, some different rules apply.
There’s a reason why sprouted grain bread is often found in the freezer section of your local grocery store. It has more live, organic components that will not last long in the open.
Try to avoid keeping this type of bread on the counter or in a box, since it can change the texture or get moldy much faster than typical white flour or whole-grain stuff.
For many people who want to make healthy bread a part of their life, this poses a problem.
They want to access that bread on the counter, in the fridge and keep some in the freezer for safe measure. It helps them stay on track with their diets and health goals.
Storage and inventory management is a big part of our Superfood Bread philosophy here at Uprising, and it’s something that really sets us apart.
Not only is our bread above and beyond healthier than anything you can find in stores, but it’s delivered to your door every month to ensure you always have the right amount available.
Our cold supply chain method ensures that the bread shows up to your door in perfect condition, and you can enjoy a slice right out of the box by toasting it up.
This bread stores perfectly in the fridge (up to 4 weeks) and freezer (up to 6 months), and you’ll never be at risk of running out.
No more checking expiration dates and losing track of when you bought each loaf. You finally have a system to keep healthy bread in the kitchen without wasting a slice.
Speaking of health, the ingredients we use for this bread are a whole different level from and of the gluten-free or sprouted grain stuff you’ll find in-store.
Almond flour, egg whites, and golden flaxseed are just three of the 8 simple things that make this bread look, taste, and toast up great.
Every month, we get tons of strong reviews from customers who feel like they can enjoy real bread without the questions or concerns related to carbs, gluten, dairy or other allergens.
We are proud to say that the Uprising Revolution has begun, and we want everyone to join!
Conclusion
There is no perfect science behind storing bread, and it can definitely be a game of trial and error at times.
Certain loaves behave differently from others on the counter, in the fridge, and in the freezer, so you need to keep mental tabs on all your various bread at once.
We’ve been there, and it can be a headache that ends up not being worth the effort.
The Uprising Superfood Bread solution solves your bread storage issues while packing more nutrition-per-slice than you ever thought possible.
If you are sticking to a low-carb or keto diet, this bread stands above the rest in terms of taste, texture, and real-bread feel.
Be sure to go check out our FAQ to see how we make storing and enjoying healthy, hearty bread easier than ever!
Sources:
Food & Wine
Chatelaine
Epicurious
We take our bread seriously, and it’s a bummer to let even a few slices go to waste.
Everyone’s been in that tough situation where a loaf is lost to just a little bit of mold.
While this scenario is often unavoidable, there are a few things in your control that can extend the lifespan of your bread. Proper storage is the most important of the lot.
Today we’re looking at how to store bread the right way, and we will give you some tips to make those loaves last as long as possible while still retaining their taste.
Has my bread gone bad?
Before we talk about storage, you should know the signs that your bread may not be worth saving.
First off is mold. If your bread shows even a speck of mold anywhere on the crust or the crumb, you need to cut your losses and toss the whole thing in the trash.
The tiniest bit of white, green, blue, or dark mold can mean that the entire loaf is affected, and it’s not worth risking your health to enjoy a piece of toast or sandwich.
Don’t cut around it, don’t grab a piece from the other side of the bag, and don’t ignore it.
Sometimes, mold happens on the interior of the bread and can’t be seen by the human eye. Use your sense of smell to guide you in this situation.
If you take a whiff and get any trace of vinegar, rot, or just an unusual not-bread smell, it means the loaf is past its prime and needs to be tossed.
As far as staling goes, there is way less risk involved, although you may not be satisfied with the quality of the bread if you enjoy it untoasted.
Bread gone stale just means that starches have crystallized with the water molecules, resulting in hardening and loss of flavor. It’s still safe to eat, and not that bad if you give it a good toast.
Of course, the taste will be your final test to determine the freshness and safety of your bread.
If you have a hunch that the bread does not taste the same way it did yesterday, don’t second-guess your instincts.
You should spend any time trying to convince yourself that the bread is safe to eat!
Any sourness, bitterness, or unwanted tanginess means the bread is a lost cause.
Knowing these signs can help keep your stomach happy when dealing with bread on the edge of expiration.
Keep it fresh on the counter
Now that you can quickly determine when to part ways with bad bread, you should know how to store it correctly so you don’t find yourself in that situation more than necessary.
When keeping bread out in the open kitchen, it’s important that it is not positioned near any sources of heat such as the oven, the dishwasher, or on top of the fridge.
It doesn’t take much heat to loosen the water molecules from the starch within the bread and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
The ideal spot on the counter will be dry, shady, and relatively cool in temp.
Even better than countertop storage is a bread box, which keeps out excessive moisture, sunlight, heat, and other factors that can accelerate expiration.
No matter how your store your bread at room temperature, you’ll want to wrap it with care. Parchment paper is a great material because it is more breathable than plastic.
Simply leaving bread in the bag from the manufacturer is not the move.
In plastic, bread becomes moldy far quicker, so if you aren’t able to manage a tight wrap, try to keep it closed in a paper bag instead.
Many specially-made bread containers and reusable bags have also come to market in recent years, so it may be worth picking up some of these products.
On average, store-bought bread can stay fresh on the countertop for about a week, while bakery bread will only last a few days before going bad.
Folks bring up that their food is loaded with too many preservatives, but often overlook the fact that these chemicals do a fine job at extending shelf life!
However, you should be skeptical of bread that can last more than 10 days out in the open without seeing any change in quality.
Freezer versus Fridge
If you aren’t convinced you can manage the bread box or counter storage methods, you’ll want an extra layer of protection against early expiration.
This is where the refrigerator can be a huge help.
The double-wrap technique discussed earlier still applies when storing bread in the fridge, but keeping that bread in a plastic container can make it last even longer.
One layer should be done with parchment or wax paper, while the next one can be a tighter wrap of plastic or cellophane.
When stored in the fridge, the expiration date of most bread can be pushed back by at least a few weeks.
Yes, the texture of the bread will change and appear to have gone stale, but according to an article from Chatelaine, that is perfectly normal and not a signal to throw it away.
As famed food scientist Nathan Myhrvold explains, the hardening that takes place in the fridge is an indication that starch and water molecules have re-crystallized, something that can easily be reversed with a couple of minutes in the microwave or oven.
Bread does even better in the freezer than it does in the fridge.
The lifespan can be extended for several months if done properly, and pre-slicing a loaf prior to freezing is a fantastic way to prepare for easy access.
Myhrvold makes the point that bread in the freezer should never be left out to thaw, however intuitive it may seem. The toaster method is still optimal.
Storing healthy bread
Keeping most bread on the counter, in the freezer or fridge is no problem, but when dealing with sprouted grain bread and other specialty loaves, some different rules apply.
There’s a reason why sprouted grain bread is often found in the freezer section of your local grocery store. It has more live, organic components that will not last long in the open.
Try to avoid keeping this type of bread on the counter or in a box, since it can change the texture or get moldy much faster than typical white flour or whole-grain stuff.
For many people who want to make healthy bread a part of their life, this poses a problem.
They want to access that bread on the counter, in the fridge and keep some in the freezer for safe measure. It helps them stay on track with their diets and health goals.
Storage and inventory management is a big part of our Superfood Bread philosophy here at Uprising, and it’s something that really sets us apart.
Not only is our bread above and beyond healthier than anything you can find in stores, but it’s delivered to your door every month to ensure you always have the right amount available.
Our cold supply chain method ensures that the bread shows up to your door in perfect condition, and you can enjoy a slice right out of the box by toasting it up.
This bread stores perfectly in the fridge (up to 4 weeks) and freezer (up to 6 months), and you’ll never be at risk of running out.
No more checking expiration dates and losing track of when you bought each loaf. You finally have a system to keep healthy bread in the kitchen without wasting a slice.
Speaking of health, the ingredients we use for this bread are a whole different level from and of the gluten-free or sprouted grain stuff you’ll find in-store.
Almond flour, egg whites, and golden flaxseed are just three of the 8 simple things that make this bread look, taste, and toast up great.
Every month, we get tons of strong reviews from customers who feel like they can enjoy real bread without the questions or concerns related to carbs, gluten, dairy or other allergens.
We are proud to say that the Uprising Revolution has begun, and we want everyone to join!
Conclusion
There is no perfect science behind storing bread, and it can definitely be a game of trial and error at times.
Certain loaves behave differently from others on the counter, in the fridge, and in the freezer, so you need to keep mental tabs on all your various bread at once.
We’ve been there, and it can be a headache that ends up not being worth the effort.
The Uprising Superfood Bread solution solves your bread storage issues while packing more nutrition-per-slice than you ever thought possible.
If you are sticking to a low-carb or keto diet, this bread stands above the rest in terms of taste, texture, and real-bread feel.
Be sure to go check out our FAQ to see how we make storing and enjoying healthy, hearty bread easier than ever!
Sources:
Food & Wine
Chatelaine
Epicurious
