Baker’s Tip to Keep Bread Fresh for 2 More Weeks

Bread can, unfortunately, go moldy and stale very quickly once you bring it home from the store. The culprit? It’s probably how you store it.

It may seem simple to simply set your bread out on the counter or put it in a bread box, but where you place it in your kitchen can have a huge impact on how long it stays fresh.

Baker Emilie Raffa gives us some wise advice to prevent your bread from spoiling too quickly, pointing out that the heat from kitchen appliances can be a major factor in bread mold.

She shared her experience: “Years ago, we used to store our bread in a plastic bag, in a drawer nestled between the dishwasher and the refrigerator.

“The excess heat from both appliances, plus the moisture trapped in the plastic bag, created the perfect storm for mold growth. Everything in that drawer was covered in green, hairy spots: rolls, tortillas, raisin bread, you name it.”

To keep your bread as fresh as possible, Emilie advises you to store it in a cool, dry place, away from any source of heat or humidity, i.e. avoiding the oven, the stove – and even the fruit bowl.

And why not store your bread in the fruit basket? Some fruits, such as bananas and apples, give off ethylene gas, which acts as a ripening agent. This not only affects the fruit, but can also cause your bread to rot much faster.

As these fruits ripen, they release moisture, potentially creating a humid environment in which mold likes to thrive.

Emilie warns: “Mold loves warmth, moisture and food sources. For best results, keep your bread away from excess heat and moisture.”

She said that while sandwich bread stores well in a plastic bag to maintain its softness, it’s important not to seal the bag too tightly, as this can lead to mold growth.

The expert shared: “Sandwich bread keeps best when stored in a plastic bag; it retains moisture, which keeps the crust moist.

“But too much moisture creates mold, so I found it was best not to keep the bag airtight. Twist the end slightly to seal.”

For brioche buns and soft rolls, Emilie recommends paper bags because of their breathability but cautions against letting in too much air, which can make the bread stale.

She explains: “Paper bags are more breathable than plastic, which is great for brioches, soft rolls and other breads with added fat. But too much air will make the bread go stale quickly. Remember to keep these bags airtight as much as possible.”

Emilie doesn’t like bread boxes, which she finds bulky and cumbersome. Instead, she suggests the refrigerator as an effective storage option for sandwich bread, provided it is well wrapped to prevent it from going stale.

The expert concludes: “Fresh bread can indeed be stored in the refrigerator, contrary to what you may have read online. We do this in our restaurant with excellent results.”

Store-bought bread and rolls can be stored at room temperature for two to four days, or in the refrigerator for seven to 14 days.

Emilie suggests reheating the bread in the oven at 150°C before serving to maintain its texture. She also assures that refrigerating the bread will prevent mold from forming and keep it fresher for longer than if it were left on the counter.