BREAD is one of those foods that almost everyone has in their home, but rarely lasts longer than a few days. Some people keep it in the refrigerator, and some even freeze it. If you’re not a fan of these methods, we know something that works. Bread will stay fresh and mold-free for a whole week, without having to freeze it or wrap it in plastic.
The answer lies in proper storage and an unusual but very effective DIY trick.
Forget plastic – bread doesn’t like moisture.
First rule: never store bread in a plastic bag. Plastic traps moisture, and moisture is the ideal environment for mold to grow. Bread in a plastic bag may stay soft, but it often starts to go moldy after just two days.
Instead, it’s best to store it in a cotton bag or wrapped in a tea towel, then place it in a wooden or ceramic bread container – a so-called bread box. Such containers allow the bread to “breathe” while protecting it from drying out.
Celery or apple trick
It sounds strange, but a piece of celery (or a quarter of an apple) placed in a bread box can work wonders. The celery and apple release a slight amount of moisture into the air, but not enough to make the bread soggy – just enough to prevent it from drying out, while also acting as an antibacterial.
Important: Place the fruit or vegetables in a small bowl or paper bag so that they don’t touch the bread itself. Change it every 2–3 days.
Keep it away from heat and sunlight.
Bread spoils most quickly if you keep it near a stove, oven, or in direct sunlight. The ideal place to store bread is a dry, dark, and airy place – a kitchen cabinet or corner of a countertop away from a heat source.
Can a paper bag help?
It’s possible, but only in the short term. The paper slows down drying and allows the bread to breathe, but it’s not a long-term solution if you want it to last a whole week. A combination of a paper bag and a bread box or a cotton cloth is a better choice.
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