There are many reasons why you may want to know “does bread last longer in the fridge?” Maybe the store had a sale on bread and you stocked up. Or you were bitten by the bread-making bug and made too many loafs that will go bad before you have a chance to enjoy them. No matter what the reason, the simple answer to “does bread last longer in the fridge” is “yes.” However, there are some drawbacks to storing bread in the fridge that you should consider before tossing your loafs in the refrigerator.
Does bread last longer in the fridge?
Yes, bread stored in the fridge does last longer than bread stored at room temperature. Homemade bread lasts about four days when stored at room temperature, while store-bought bread lasts about seven. If stored in the fridge, that shelf life could increase by five days!
That means that homemade bread would extend to 12 days and the store-bought bread to 9. While that may sound like a win for both you and the bread, there is a big drawback to keeping bread loafs in the cool fridge.
Are there any drawbacks to storing bread in the fridge?
Putting bread in the fridge will keep it from getting moldy as quickly, but there is a downside. Bread stored in the fridge goes stale quicker than bread kept at room temperature. The reason for this is that the starch molecules that are in the bread begin to recrystallize rapidly at cool temperatures. You can help minimize this by ensuring that the bread is completely sealed when placing it in the fridge.
How can I properly store bread in the fridge?
If you do decide to store bread in the fridge, the way it is stored is crucial to ensuring it lasts for as long as possible. The bread will need to be wrapped in plastic wrap, or placed in a freezer bag or airtight container. The key to storing the bread in the fridge is to make sure it is completely sealed up.
This helps to protect the bread’s flavor and reduce the chance of it drying out. For homemade bread, make sure it is completely cooled before placing it in the fridge. If it isn’t, then the heat from the hot bread will cause condensation in the packaging, which results in a soggy loaf.
Can I store bread in the freezer?
Yes, bread can be stored in the freezer. When done correctly, you can maintain the freshness of the bread and even make it last for months. To store both homemade bread and store-bought bread, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap, making sure to wrap it tightly. Once it is completely covered with plastic wrap, wrap it again in either freezer paper or tinfoil before placing it in the freezer. You should also consider writing the date the bread was frozen on the paper or foil.
It is best to use frozen bread within six months of freezing. The longer it is kept in the freezer, the more likely it will become freezer burnt, which affects the taste. Furthermore, homemade bread should be cooled completely before freezing. And consider slicing the bread before freezing as well. This will prevent you from having to unthaw the entire loaf when you only want a couple of slices.
How do I unthaw frozen bread?
If using the frozen bread for toast, you can simply take out the amount of slices you need and pop them in the toaster. Keep in mind, however, that you may have to turn the toaster setting up higher than you normally would to unthaw and toast the frozen bread. For the entire loaf, let the frozen bread unthaw slowly at room temperature, such as on your kitchen counter. If you take it out the night before, the bread will have unthawed by breakfast the next morning.
What type of bread lasts the longest?
Sourdough bread lasts longer than brewer’s yeast bread. This longer shelf life is because the sourdough has a higher acidity. This type of bread also lasts longer before going stale thanks to its long fermentation process, which slows down the moisture loss and hardening rate.
Will storing bread in a bread box make it last longer?
Bread boxes not only help to keep your bread for longer, but they also add a touch of coziness to your kitchen. These boxes are designed with small holes that allow just enough air to circulate, which helps to keep the bread from molding.
Should I store bread in paper or plastic?
When stored at room temperature, bread should be kept in paper, since plastic can encourage mold growth. Storing bread in paper does also have its downsides, since it can cause the bread to dry out quicker. With that said, you would probably rather have stale bread than moldy bread, since there are still uses for stale bread.
Another tip is to keep the cut side of the bread loaf unexposed. This can be done by saving the heel of the bread and then using them as a sort of cover for the cut side of the loaf.
What is the best area to store bread?
Storing bread on top of appliances, such as refrigerators or microwaves, will cause the loaf to go bad quicker. This is because the heat that the appliance puts off causes bread stored in plastic to mold quicker and bread stored in paper to dry out faster. The best place to store bread is in a cool, dry location in your kitchen.
What can I do if the bread is stale?
While there really isn’t anything you can do to make your stale bread become un-stale, there are some uses for stale bread that you should consider before throwing it in the trash. For example, stale bread is great for making homemade breadcrumbs. Just toss the stale bread in a food processor and pulse until they get the desired consistency, and then season them with your favorite seasonings, such as parmesan or garlic powder. You can also turn them into croutons for salads.
Just because your bread isn’t as fresh as it once was doesn’t mean it has gone bad. Moldy bread shouldn’t be consumed, of course, but bread that is stale is still safe to eat, it just may not have that preferred soft texture you are looking for. Instead, consume the bread in another way, such as toast or breadcrumbs.
Summary
Bread is a staple item in most pantries, and while it isn’t the most expensive food item in your kitchen, it’s no fun having to keep throwing out bread that has gone bad. Knowing the answer to “does bread last longer in the fridge” can help reduce unnecessary food waste and even save you money on monthly grocery bills.
