Bread goes with almost everything, so there’s no shortage of ways to use it at home. But getting through a whole loaf before it goes mouldy is easier said than done for many households. Oftentimes, stale and green-speckled slices get thrown in the bin, simply because they have been stored incorrectly.
Fortunately for bread lovers, a little-known food storage hack can keep bread fresh for weeks rather than days, says the Wheeldon Brothers. The waste experts have urged people to rethink bread bins and, surprisingly, leave bread in its original packaging – albeit with a few tweaks. “Bread is one of the most frequently wasted foods in UK households,” a spokesperson for Wheeldon Brothers said.
They added: “But by making a few simple adjustments, like controlling moisture and temperature, you can extend its life and reduce the amount that ends up in the bin.”
Nearly 11 million loaves are tossed away every day in the UK, but with the right storage method, most could have been saved—and enjoyed.
How to store bread
Pre-sliced loaves are the most common culprits of keeping for a surprisingly long time and then suddenly turning mouldy. Meanwhile, whole bakery loaves, such as sourdough, are more prone to turning stale within hours of being sliced.
For bread purchased in a bag, the Wheeldon Brothers suggest adding a stick of crunchy celery.
“This lesser-known method could extend the shelf life of a loaf by up to a week”, they said.
According to the waste experts, celery gives off moisture, which helps prevent the bread from drying out without encouraging mould.
When stored in the fridge, the combination of the cool environment and celery sticks preserves the freshness of bread, retaining its softness.
Ditch airtight packaging
Bread bins and plastic bags are usually praised for being airtight and, therefore, ideal for bread storage. But the Wheeldon Brothers suggest cutting small holes in bread bags instead.
A popular hack shared online involves making tiny cuts in the bread bag to allow moisture to escape, which prevents condensation and reduces mould growth.
“Moisture trapped in a sealed bag creates the perfect environment for mould to grow,” the experts noted.
They said: “Making a few small holes helps reduce that risk — just be careful not to overdo it, or the bread will dry out too quickly.”
Bread bags, including those made of cheesecloth, can have small holes or perforations. These perforations, whether micro or macro, are designed to allow air to circulate inside the packaging.
Another option is to store bread in the fridge, but first, put it in an airtight container.
The experts explained that using an airtight container can help maintain the ideal storage environment for your loaf.
“A sealed container adds an extra barrier against external moisture and fridge odours,” said the spokesperson.
“Keeping the bread in its original bag and placing it inside a container with a tight-fitting lid is a great way to keep it fresher for longer.”