You love fresh bread, straight from the bakery. Unfortunately, its freshness lasts only a short time once you get home. You even regret buying several baguettes because you never manage to eat them in time. One thing is certain, bread needs to be stored properly so that it doesn’t harden or lose its soft texture. Fortunately, there are simple ways to store it in optimal conditions and preserve its freshness. Explained!
How to keep bread fresh for several days?
Bread is still a staple in many households. Whether it’s for toasting at breakfast, sandwiching at lunch or accompanying a nice dish with sauce, bread is an integral part of our diet. But today this is often put to the test. New types of flour, accelerated fermentation, electric ovens or poor quality ingredients are all reasons why it ends up stale, drying out or hardening more quickly. But rest assured, whether it’s bought or homemade, there are several tips to keep it fresh and soft day after day.
For your information:
First of all, bread should be stored at room temperature, in a dry place away from the sun. Also, you should avoid storing it in a plastic bag, especially when it’s hot, as this encourages the formation of steam. Moisture eventually builds up and creates an environment conducive to mold growth.
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Bread will stay fresh longer if you place a slice of apple (or even half a potato) right next to it. As it dries, the bread will retain its moisture and flavor.
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Another convenient method is to use salt, as it is a powerful absorbent. If placed next to bread in the cupboard, for example, it will remove excess moisture and kill germs.
3. The freezer
Beware of preconceived ideas! To keep it fresh for as long as possible, some people have taken to storing homemade bread in the refrigerator, but this is not a good solution. Although the cold can prolong its shelf life, at the same time it risks changing its texture, drying it out prematurely and therefore ending up mouldy too quickly.
To preserve it for several days, the freezer is still the best option. To do this, it is advisable to cut it into slices and place them in an airtight container. Then, to properly defrost your bread, it is advisable to leave it in the refrigerator for three hours, then at room temperature.
Good to know : Once thawed, bread does not stay fresh as long as bread that has not been frozen. A previously frozen baguette generally lasts between two and four days before drying out.
4. The bread box
As you probably know, there are certain wooden boxes that are specifically designed for storing bread. In addition to adding an elegant touch to the kitchen, they are known for keeping slices of bread fresh. This is especially thanks to the small holes that promote good air circulation, thus preventing the appearance of mould. Note that you can store bread (bought or homemade) for about three days at room temperature in this box.
3. The paper bag
If you plan to eat it as quickly as possible, wrap it in a paper bag on the counter. If you prefer it to last a little longer, wrap it in cling film or a plastic bag. But be careful, this material is not recommended in the middle of summer and you should also bear in mind that it risks making it less crispy. To restore its crust, place the slices in the toaster or oven for a few minutes.
4. The linen bag
Finally, the ideal option for storing bread is the famous breathable linen bag with a seal. Not only does it beautifully decorate your kitchen counter, but above all it allows you to save on buying paper or plastic bags. Linen is a light, strong, durable and washable fabric. As an added benefit, its properties prevent excess moisture. Unlike plastic, which hardens bread, linen will allow it to breathe properly and retain its freshness. Result: it will be crispier on the outside and softer on the inside.
Tip: If you don’t have a linen bread bag handy, a clean, dry linen napkin or cotton tea towel will also work. Just be sure to wrap the bread tightly so that no part of it is exposed to the air.
