Kitchen Hacks: 5 Tips To Store Bread For A Longer Time

Bread is the ultimate saviour for most of us. Be it busy mornings or lazy no cooking days, all we need is a slice of bread to satiate our hunger. From sandwiches to toast to some amazing snacks, name it and you can make it with bread. But the one challenge we all face is keeping the bread fresh, isn’t it? Fresh bread tastes much better and doesn’t have the dry, hard and crumbly texture like stale bread. 

Fresh bread has its nutritional value intact compared to stale bread. As bread ages, some of its nutrients may degrade, reducing its nutritional benefits. Moreover, consumption of stale bread can be harmful to health. Storing bread properly can help extend its shelf life and maintain its freshness. But how to do it? Well, here are 5 tips that can help you. 

Store The Bread At A Cool And Dry Place 

It is advisable to store bread in a cool and dry place which is away from direct sunlight and heat sources. One must avoid storing it near the stove or oven, as the heat can cause it to dry out and go stale faster.  

Use Airtight Container Or Bread Box 

Using a bread box or an airtight container can help create a slightly humid environment while protecting the bread from drying out too quickly. Thus, one should always use airtight containers or bread boxes to store the bread in order to keep it fresh for a longer time. 

Say No To Refrigeration 

A lot of people refrigerate bread to keep it fresh but contrary to this popular belief, refrigerating bread can actually make it stale faster. As per some studies, cold temperature causes the starch in the bread to recrystallize more quickly which gives it a tougher texture. Refrigeration may be suitable for some specific bread types like homemade bread with no preservatives which can mold quickly at room temperature. 

Give Bread Clip Or Twist Tie A Try 

If you buy bread in a plastic bag, use a bread clip or twist tie to reseal the bag after each use. This hack will help in minimizing the exposure to air and would help in keeping the bread for a longer period.  

Don’t Cut The Bread Until It Is Ready To Use

Often, we slice the bread way before consuming it, but this practice should be avoided. A whole loaf retains its freshness better than sliced bread. So, it is advisable to slice the bread only when you're ready to eat it.