Fresh bakery bread can often turn stale within a day, and sliced bread often stays fresh for a few days.
Where it is being stored as well as how it is being stored both play factors in how long bread will last.
According to a waste food expert at Too Good To Go, bread is undoubtedly one of the most-wasted food items in the UK.
This means taking measures to make it last longer is crucial, and it all starts with a cloth bag.
The expert from Too Good To Go said cloth bags are the “best” way to store bread because they help to maintain its properties better.
However, in order to make it last even longer, one singular potato can also be placed inside the cloth bag, helping it to stay fresh for a week longer than usual.
The expert said: “Remember that if the bread is freshly made, you should not store it in an airtight bag, since it will not be able to breathe.
“You have to let it breathe so that it maintains its most optimal conservation.
“Storing it in a bread basket or a cloth bag, as mentioned, so that it cools at room temperature is always the best option.”
If you have sliced bread, which often comes in plastic wrapping, it was advised to place this loaf in the fridge.
The pro noted: “This way it will last much longer, extending its expiration date.
“Always remember to use your senses before consuming it, to know if it is suitable for your consumption.”
Another way to make bread last for much longer is to freeze it, but it must be done so in an airtight container or bag.
This method will help to reduce the risk of freezer burn which can ruin the bread entirely.
The food waste expert continued: “We advise you to give it extra heat in the oven once it is completely defrosted.
“This way you will get a super crunchy texture. In case the bread is dry, you can moisten its crust before cutting it, either with a spray of water or with a damp cloth for a few minutes.”
Then try putting it in the oven for a few minutes so it recovers its crunchy texture.
