KOMPAS.com – Storing bread so that it stays fresh and lasts a long time is often a challenge. However, with a few simple tips, you can prevent bread from molding, losing texture, or becoming too soggy.
Madelyn Osten, former head baker at Miami’s Sullivan Street Bakery, shares the secret to storing bread so it stays delicious longer. Here is the guide:
1. Freeze bread
Freezing bread is the best way to maintain its quality over a longer period of time.
Wrap the bread tightly in a bag freezerboth whole and in slices. Osten suggests placing wax paper between the bread slices so they’re easy to pick out one at a time.
Also read: Recipe for Home-Style Bread Pudding, a Warm Snack for Cold Weather
To thaw the bread, place it in the refrigerator (outside freezer) overnight to keep dry. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat frozen bread straight away.
Bake the whole bread at 160 degrees Celsius for 25–30 minutes, or put the bread slices directly into the toaster.
2. Store with paper, not plastic
If you want to consume the bread within 2–3 days, store it in a paper bag on the counter.
Plastic bags seem like a practical option, but they actually speed up mold growth.
Osten also suggests saving the ends of the bread to cover the cut sides.
Keeping the cut part covered can help keep the bread fresher for longer.
3. Take advantage of the bread box
Bread boxes are not only useful for storing bread but can also be an addition to your kitchen decoration.
These boxes usually have small holes that allow limited air circulation, thereby preventing the bread from getting moldy quickly.
Also read: Why Shouldn’t Bread Be Put in the Refrigerator?
If you’re worried about bugs and prefer an airtight container, add one slice of bread to the container. These additional wedges will absorb excess moisture and keep the humidity in the container stable.
4. Choose the right storage location
Storage location is as important as how it is stored. Don’t store bread in the refrigerator because the heat from the refrigerator can cause the paper bag to dry out and the plastic bag to become damp and mold quickly.
Illustration of white bread
Also avoid areas near the dishwasher that produce heat and moisture. Choose a cool, dry place, such as a kitchen cupboard or deep drawer.
5. Use a bread bag reusable
If you want a more environmentally friendly solution, try using a bread bag reusable. These pouches are available in a variety of sizes, machine washable, and suitable for storage in freezer.
These bags are made from a breathable material like paper, so they help keep the bread fresh without creating waste.
Also read: Baked Banana Bread Recipe, Snack for the Weekend
With prices ranging from IDR 100,000 to IDR 300,000, these bags are a wise investment for bread and environmental lovers.
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