Aware of the importance of reducing food waste in homes, more and more people are seeking to make better use of such a basic and common food at home as bread. A few simple tricks on how to preserve bread are enough to use it for longer without it ending up in the trash.
Why is it important to preserve bread well?
Preserving bread at home properly not only prevents food waste. It is a logical way to extend the life of this food in an optimal state of flavor and texture, without it becoming hard or chewy.
In addition, we will prevent the appearance of molds or other microorganisms that could cause toxic infections.
Methods to keep bread fresh for longer
The key to keeping bread fresh is protecting it from air, humidity and extreme temperatures. There is no single answer to the question of how to preserve bread so that it does not become stale. Irene Guerrero, bread category director provides specific advice for each type of pan:
- Loaf of bread or baguette. “We will store this product in the supermarket’s own paper bag,” he points out. «The ideal is to try to eat it within a maximum period of 4 hours. The loaf or baguette dries faster than other bread formats because it is narrower and the migration of moisture from the center to the outside occurs sooner,» he points out.
- A Loaf. «Also in the paper bag from the supermarket, but with a longer period of time to consume it. It is important to store it in a paper bag and not a plastic one, since in plastic the bread ends up becoming chewy due to the humidity it accumulates.»
- Loaf bread (sliced). “In this case we can keep it in plastic for up to 3 days.”
Best places to preserve bread
Never in the refrigerator
Store the pan in the refrigerator to speed up its hardening and reduce its freshness and texture. The exception to the rule is sliced bread, which can be kept in the refrigerator on very hot days to avoid the appearance of mold. In this case we will always keep it in its well-closed bag.
At room temperature away from the sun
The ideal place is the classic bread bin that you used to place in a place in the kitchen away from the window and away from the stove, oven or radiator.
If we don’t have that classic grandmother’s piece of furniture, we can use a glass tupperware and keep it closed, protected from direct sunlight and away from other sources of heat or drafts.
Useful accessories to preserve the pan.
- Breadbasket. This is the most traditional and effective method. They are usually made of wood or wicker, but also metal or plastic.
- cloth bag. “A simple cloth bag maintains the texture of the crust better, especially in a loaf-type bread,” he points out. Warrior. The fabric of the bag should be made of natural fibers, such as cotton or linen. It is important not to leave it in a plastic bag, or in the raffia shopping bag.
- bread knife. It is characterized by its serrations or serrations and a long, comfortable handle. This way we can cut the bread without applying too much pressure, so that the crumb does not become compressed. This way the slices will come out uniform and without being crushed.
- Bread cutting board. It is a board with a mobile grid that allows you to collect the bread crumbs generated when cutting, keeping the cutting surface clean. They are usually made of wood.
Additional Tips and Common Mistakes
Here are some tips and tricks to keep bread fresh, or at least organoleptically appetizing, for longer.
Cut just before eating
When asked how to preserve bread from one day to the next, the first tip is to cut the bread only when consuming it. «The crust acts as a natural barrier. If you cut the whole bread into slices ahead of time, they expose the crumb to the air and it will dry out much faster,» adds Irene.
Freeze if there is leftover
If we have calculated too much, or it simply has not been consumed during the day, we can freeze it. In this case, the ideal would be to cut it into individual slices or portions and store it in zip bags to freeze (remember that these bags are reusable and will be used to refreeze other slices).
«The plastic bag will maintain the humidity of the bread and prevent it from burning in the cold. It also protects from odors. It should not freeze in the paper bag,» warns Guerrero.
Defrost properly
It can be defrosted in two ways: taking out the slices we need a couple of hours before and leaving them at room temperature, or accelerating this process. “We can also defrost it by putting it in the oven, toaster or air fryer, being careful not to burn it in certain areas,” says the expert.
No more than a month in the freezer
“The bread It should not be kept for more than a month in the freezer at home, since it ends up burning.» In this case it loses organoleptic qualities, it becomes drier, «although it will remain suitable for consumption for longer,» he adds.
Village bread lasts longer
Traditionally made bread lasts much longer due to the manufacturing method. Irene Guerrero explain why. «Village breads are made with a longer fermentation and manufacturing process. They have less volume, that is, they have a more compact crumb and retain moisture for longer.»
The ALDI Council
In many homes, sliced bread becomes a long-lasting alternative to a loaf of bread. This product, if stored in the refrigerator, can last more than a week. Check the label and choose those with whole grains and a lower content of additives, fats or added sugars.
Irene Guerrero. Bread Director Category at ALDI Spain.
