You’ve probably been there: you’ve just bought fresh bread and after just a few days it’s hard or showing the first signs of mold. This is not only annoying, but often means you have to throw it away. But storing bread is worthwhile. With the right technique, you can ensure that your bread stays fresh for longer and you can enjoy it to the last crumb.
Storing bread: Why correct storage is crucial
Bread is a sensitive food that loses moisture over time and becomes dry. At the same time, it provides the perfect basis for mold. With the right storage, you can enjoy your bread for longer. Bread pans made of ceramic or clay are ideal as they ensure a balanced climate. They prevent moisture from escaping too quickly and protect the bread from mold.
Alternatively Cotton or linen bags are a good choice. These breathable materials allow the bread to “breathe” and preserve its freshness. It is best to store your bread at room temperaturein the pantry, for example. It will keep fresh here for two to three days. If you want to keep your bread for longer, cut it into slices and freeze it in portions.
Storing bread in the fridge? Why this is not a good idea
Many people think that the fridge is a good option for storing bread to keep it fresh for longer – but the opposite is true. The cool temperatures in the refrigerator accelerate the ageing of the bread through the chemical process of retrogradation. This causes the starch to crystallize faster, making the bread dry and crumbly.
Freezing is the better alternative. Be sure to pack your bread for this airtight in freezer bags or special freshness boxes. This keeps the moisture in the bread and prevents dry spots or freezer burn. Defrosting works best if you take individual slices of bread – this saves time and avoids leftovers.
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Little tricks for dry bread
Sometimes it still happens that bread gets dry. A simple trick: heat it up in the oven at 150 degrees. Spray the bread lightly with water before baking to soften the crumb. This works particularly well if you eat the bread straight afterwards.
Note, however, that heated bread dries out more quickly. This trick is therefore more suitable for short-term enjoyment and less for long-term storage.
What is preserved when bread is stored?
The most important Nutrients such as fiber, proteins and carbohydrates are largely preserved when stored correctly. Nevertheless, the taste can deteriorate over time. Wholemeal bread often remains juicier, whereas white bread dries out more quickly. Sourdough bread also generally lasts longer than light-colored bread.
Clever storage not only prevents food waste, but can also save you money. It’s worth investing a little time in storing your bread properly – that way it will stay fresh for longer and you can enjoy it to the full.
Checklist: Keep bread fresh for longer
- Use bread pans: Ceramics or clay create the ideal storage environment.
- Observe the correct temperature: Room temperature in the pantry instead of the fridge.
- Freezing: Pack the slices in airtight portions and defrost as required.
- Refresh the dry crust: Spray with water in the oven and bake briefly.
- Do not store in the fridge: Cool temperatures accelerate the ageing process.
This article was partly produced with the help of a machine and carefully checked by the editorial team before publication.
