How Long Does Bread Last?
The average type of bread dough lasts seven days after baking, but it is better to eat within the first day or two.
If you want to store bread longer, wrap it in plastic wrap. And place it in a resealable bag—store bread in airtight containers such as Tupperware.
If your bread texture has mold and is inedible, it is better to throw it out. Keep your bread in a cool and dry place, away from the heat.
If it is plastic bread wrap, make sure to store it in the varieties of bread bags and not on the bread.
The shelf life of bread depends on the type of bread. Most bread has a shelf life of about two weeks. But, some bread lasts longer.
If you want to know how long your bread lasts, follow these tips:
- Keep the bread away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Store the bread in a cool, dry place.
- Use butter instead of margarine to prolong the shelf life of the bread.
- Wrap the bread when stored for a more extended period.
- Keep bread away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.
Can You Freeze Bread?
Yes, it is possible to freeze bread. But, freezing bread makes it dry and people may find it challenging to rehydrate frozen bread.
You should keep bread inside a sealed container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. After thawing, you must bake bread at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown.
It’s essential to know how much favorite bread you need for each person in your household.
The amount of bread needed varies:
- Depending on how active they are
- What kind of bread it is.
- How large they eat it.
I would say you can freeze homemade bread. It is a great way to save bread. But, I would not always go with the freezer.
Freezing bread can be tricky; it can help to ensure that your store-bought bread remains fresh.
How to tell if bread is stale?
If you want to know if bread is stale then you will want to pay attention to the bread’s aroma and color. If the stale bread is past its best then it will not only smell stale but will also feel stale in your hand.
If you smell or see a change in the color, texture, or smell of the entire loaf, it might be stale.
If you are unable to identify these changes, then place it in a bowl of water to see if it floats or to see if it shrinks.
White bread should be stored at normal room temperature, away from heat and moisture. If you find any mold growing on the surface, the bread has gone bad.
The best way to prevent the bread from going bad is to store it in an airtight plastic container.
The Risk of Consuming an Expired Bread
Eating bread that has expired may cause serious health problems such as botulism. If you see any signs of mold on your bread, do not eat it!
When you consume expired bread, you may be risking your health; bacteria can grow once exposed to air.
Bacteria can cause food poisoning, which can lead to;
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Headache
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Confusion
- And even death.
Keep stale tasty bread away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. If you want to be safe, always check the expiry date on the label.
When buying delicious wheat bread, read the end date on the original plastic packaging. If the bread has expired, then don’t eat it!
Even though some bread might taste better when it expires, it could be dangerous for your health.
How to Store Bread
There are different methods for storing bread.
1. Frozen dough
Freezing a slice of bread dough at -20 degrees Celsius for 1 hour, then place it into a loaf pan and bake.
2. Putting bread dough in the fridge overnight
Put bread dough in the fridge overnight and bake the following day. Both ways work well.
3. Place in a plastic bag
The best way to store bread is to place it in a plastic bag. It helps keep out moisture and odors. Keep bread in an excellent, dry location.
Keep extra bread away from heat sources such as ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators.
Bake fresh bread at home rather than buying pre-made bakery goods. Homemade bread dough has fewer preservatives and tastes better.
Note: Do not wrap the leftover bread in aluminum foil or plastic because it reacts with its crust. And these can alter the taste.
Final Words
If you are looking for an excellent option, the best way to keep your bread fresh is to freeze it. The best place to store your frozen bread is in a bread freezer within your freezer.
It all comes down to how you plan to use the slices of bread products. If you want to store bread type for a couple of days, store it in the fridge.
If you want to store bread for a few weeks, store it in the freezer. But remember that you may need to defrost it before you plan to use it.
Store extra loaf at the proper cold temperature to prevent moldy bread. By following the advice above, you can keep your bread fresh for months.