Ever pondered the best spot to stash your bread? A loaf of bread is a staple in most homes, yet the annoyance of it turning mouldy shortly after purchase is all too common. But worry not, as one food expert suggests that this spoilage could be down to how you’re storing your bread – and with the right technique, you might just extend its life by a whole week.
Maurizio Leo, a seasoned baker, has observed that many people default to the fridge for bread storage, much like they do for other perishables to prolong freshness. However, he warns that the fridge is actually the nemesis of bread longevity.
The founder of The Perfect Loaf advises: “This is very important, don’t store bread in the refrigerator. It might seem counterintuitive since the refrigerator is seen as a food-preserver, but placing your [bread] in the refrigerator will cause it to stale faster than if it’s kept at room temperature.”
Maurizio swears by his “favourite way” to maintain bread’s freshness, which is to wrap it in Bee’s Wrap. This method is a hit among bakers for keeping bread at the ideal level of softness.
He said: “Simply place your bread in the wrap and cover it tightly. The beeswax-lined wrap will deform and wrap around all the nooks and crannies of your loaf as the warmth of your hands moulds it to fit.”
As bread gets older, it starts to dry out, leading to staleness. But beware: storing it in an airtight container might prevent staleness but could encourage mould growth due to bacteria.
Enter the beeswax wrap – a brilliant way to cover your bread while still letting it breathe, thus avoiding moisture build-up and keeping mould at bay.
If you’re interested in getting your hands on Bee’s Wrap, Amazon’s selling a set of seven assorted sizes for £12.99.
Yet if you’re not keen on spending, Maurizio recommends simple alternatives such as “Plain paper bags and kitchen towels also work very well to keep the bread from drying excessively.”
When other options are scarce, even a humble plastic bag can suffice.
Whatever wrapping method you choose, be sure to then place your bread in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight – a bread bin is perfect for this.
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