How To Prevent Bread From Molding So It Stays Fresh
Learn how to prevent bread from molding so that you never have to throw it away ever again. Use these tips to stop mold and make loaves last longer.
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Even the best artisan bread loaf can go bad. As a bread lover myself, I know how heartbreaking it is to discover a delicious loaf of bread has developed mold! Instead of going into my mouth, I place it in the trash and cry.
Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit. However, I cannot count the number of times I have had to change my lunch plans because the sandwich bread I was about to eat has become moldy!
In this post, you are going to learn about why your bread is developing mold, the best containers to prevent moldy bread, and the best methods for how to store your bread so that it has a longer shelf life.
After learning about mold prevention, you will never throw out another slice of bread again.
Important Tips on How To Keep Bread Fresh
Whether you are trying to store a single bread slice or an entire loaf of bread, you’ll need to store it under the right conditions so that it does not become moldy bread.
Let Bread Cool down completely before storing (condensation)
This will help prevent condensation from forming around the bread. When you put warm bread in a closed container, it can create condensation inside that container. This condensation speeds up mold growth and will make your crusty bread turn soggy.
This is especially important when storing a whole loaf of bread. When the loaf is warm, there is internal moisture that is distributed unevenly. Sure, the outside might look dry. However, the inside still has steam to let out!
If you store it while it is still warm, the trapped steam can lead to mold growth and the bread will be soggy. No one wants moldy, soggy bread!
Store Bread In A Cool And Dry Place
Since bread is susceptible to mold growth in hot and humid environments, you will want to avoid storing your bread in such places. A dry and cool environment will slow down mold growth, keeping the bread fresher for longer.
Not only does storing bread in a dry and cool area prevent mold, but it also helps preserve its freshness, flavor, and texture for a longer period.
Store Bread In a Proper Container
A proper container will prevent your bread from molding and keep it from going stale. You will want to store the bread in a sealed container, which will help prevent exposure to air and moisture.
If the bread is exposed to air, then it can lose too much moisture. When bread loses its moisture, it becomes dry and stale. A proper container can help retain the bread’s internal moisture, which will keep it soft and fresher for longer.
Storing your bread in the correct container also prevents the mold from forming quickly. Mold requires a damp environment to thrive, and a well-sealed container can help create a dry space for the bread.
Best Containers To Keep Bread Fresh
The good news is that there are multiple containers in which you can store your bread to keep it fresh. You have many options to choose from! Moreover, you probably already have some of these common household items in your kitchen.
These are the best containers to keep bread fresh:
- Bread Boxes
- Cloth Bags
- Brown Paper Bag
- Beeswax Wrap
- Plastic Wrap
- Ziplock Bag
Storing Your Bread in a Breadbox
Placing your bread in the bread box is the best way to store your bread. Using a bread box offers several advantages that will prolong the shelf life of your bread and prevent it from molding.
This container provides the perfect environment for bread: it has the right amount of air circulation that will help control the humidity of your bread, protects the bread from sunlight, reduces the chances of the crust becoming soggy, and extends the freshness.
This combination of these benefits will prolong the shelf life of your bread and will help prevent bread from molding.
Simply put: the bread box was designed to store bread.
Different Breads Require Different Storing Techniques To Prevent Moulding
Not all bread was created equal. The type of bread is an important factor to consider when trying to prevent mold from forming. For instance, since the moisture content of banana bread is high, it has a shorter shelf life and should be stored inside the refrigerator. Mold loves moist environments and moist banana bread is no exception.
On the other hand, sourdough bread has lower moisture content and a longer shelf life when compared to not only banana bread but other types of bread. The sourdough starter undergoes a fermentation process and contains wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria. This acidic environment helps inhibit the growth of mold. However, that doesn’t mean that sourdough bread cannot go bad. Just like other types of bread, it still needs to be stored properly.
Storing Storebought Bread
Store-bought bread has additives to keep bread fresh. Because of this, it will have a longer shelf life. However, that does not mean that you can store it improperly.
Even with all the additional preservatives, the loaf that you bought at the grocery store can still get mouldy! That is why proper storage is a must for all types of bread.
How To Keep Store-Bought Bread Fresher For Longer
It is best to keep your store-bought bread in the refrigerator if you want to keep it fresher for longer. There are many ways to keep your store-bought bread fresh. You can place it in a bread box, cloth bread bags, a linen bag, or leave it in the plastic bag that it came in.
If you decide to store it in any of these containers, make sure that you write down the expiration date of the bread. Even if there is no mold on the bread, it is best to throw it out if it is past its expiration date.
Storing Homemade Bread
Since homemade bread does not have any additives to keep bread fresh, it will have a shorter shelf life than storebought bread.
Even the most delicious homemade Italian bread can still go bad if not stored correctly.
When storing a fresh loaf of bread, let it cool down then place it in an air-tight container. You can leave the bread at room temperature on your kitchen counter for a few days.
However, I recommend freezing the bread.
How To Keep Homemade Bread Fresh For A Week
First and foremost, you must let the fresh baked bread cool down before storing it! There is a lot of internal moisture in the crumb that can make it go moldy very fast.
After baking your bread, let it cool down on a wire rack for a couple of hours. In most bread recipes, it is recommended that the bread cools down for at least one hour. However, I have found that my freshly baked bread is still warm on the inside at that point. Be patient, and wait until it’s cooled down completely.
Once it reaches room temperature, you can put it in a bread box for up to two days. If you need to store it longer than that, you should store the bread in the fridge or in the freezer. You can store freshly baked bread for a week in the fridge or the freezer.
How Long Does Bread In The Fridge Last?
Bread can last in the fridge for up to one week. Even though it is out of direct sunlight and in a cold and dry environment, there is still a risk of mold forming.
If you need to store your bread for longer than one week, you should put it in the freezer.
Store Bread In The Freezer
The freezer is the best place when it comes to storing your bread and preventing it from molding. If the bread is stored properly, it will last in the freezer for up to three months! A relatively long time when compared to the other options for storing bread.
To properly freeze bread, let it cool down to room temperature. Afterward, place it inside an air-tight freezer bag. If you have a vacuum sealing machine like the FoodSaver, now is the time to use it!
The air-tight freezer bag not only prevents your bread from molding but also prevents freezer burn.
How To Reheat and Revive Stale Bread
The good news is that if your bread goes stale, you can reheat it so that it tastes as if it was freshly baked! No need to throw it out just yet.
You have many options when it comes to reheating bread. You can place the bread in your toast, the oven, or air fryer. For a quick option, you can microwave your bread. All it takes is 30 seconds!
For more details on how to reheat and revive stale bread, read my guide on How To Heat Bread For Ultimate Freshness – Best Ways.
Why Does Bread Mold So Fast In My House?
If you have done all the tips to prevent your bread from molding, and it is still getting moldy fast, then you might have a bigger problem on your hands.
The shelf life of bread depends on several factors, with temperature and humidity being the most important ones. However, if your homemade bread molds within two days despite being in an airtight container and placed in the fridge, you should get a mold test kit.
The mold could be coming from the flour that you use. In that case, I would throw out that bag even if it is brand new. On the other hand, the mold spores could be everywhere in your kitchen.
To be safe, you should get a mold test kit. They’re about $10 to $20 and most hardware stores have them. That will confirm that they are there. If the test kit tests positive, then you will need to hire a professional to take care of the mold.
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How To Heat Bread For Ultimate Freshness – Best Ways
