We've lost many life skills over the years. How to make butter, drive a team of horses, use a coffee maker that doesn't come with prepackaged pods ... but one of the most distressing things is NO one knows how to keep bread fresh anymore. Here's the how and why.
Jump right to the best bread storage method.
In the 1930s there was a very large blip in the bread eating world that we're just starting to recover from. Way back then, bread came like the bread you see in the photo; whole loaves of crusty, prone to get stale fast, bread.
It's the kind of bread most of us are eating now.
Table of Contents
In the 1930's
The "bread blip" when The Continental Baking Company started selling the greatest thing since the wheel - sliced bread.
Wonder Bread made it's nationwide debut throwing women into a panic over this newfangled sorcery. They all asked themselves ...
HOW could a loaf of bread that's already sliced stay fresh?
Turns out, it's completely possible as long as you remove all the nutrients and minerals and basically anything good from the flour by processing it until it's a mere shadow of its former self.
Highly processing flour creates a super-soft almost devoid of nutrient, marshmallow-like bread that lasts forever without drying out. Yay?
A decade or so after its introduction, the government forced the makers of Wonder Bread and other extremely processed foods to add nutrients and minerals back into the bread to give it at least some nutritional value.
This is why you'll see bread that says "enriched" on it. Enriched??!! That's great! It gives you the impression that there's even MORE nutrients in it the bread!!!
There aren't. They've just added in some synthetic nutrients to make up for the real ones they took out.
So there you have it.
That's why you don't know how to store real bread.
Sliced bread took over the world and ruined your bread storage life skill, turning you into an inept drooling moron.
You can blame Wonder Bread - the worst thing since sliced bread.
Everyone started buying it because it was soft and plush and lasted forever without going mouldy or stale. There was nothing to storing it.
You just left it in its plastic bag and it'd stay fresh in your kitchen for as long as a typical tax evasion jail sentence. But in the past 20 years or so (I have completely made that number up) we're getting back to eating - and I hate this phrase - real food. That means loaves of crusty, unsliced bread.
And not a single one of us knows how to properly store it to keep it fresh beyond one day.
NO ONE. Not even myself. So I did an experiment involving several loaves of bread and 8 different storage methods.
Bread Storage Test Methods.
- Under glass on a wood cutting board with no ventilation
- Under glass on a marble cutting board with no ventilation
- Unwrapped in a drawer.
- In a linen bread bag.
- In a clay pot.
- Under medium sized glass dome with ventilation - bread on its side.
- Under medium sized glass dome with ventilation - bread on its cut end.
- Under large glass dome.
Here's how the methods worked.
Each loaf was cut in half and stored in one of the 8 designated places. I measured their moisture with a moisture meter, but it turned out that wasn't really necessary. Mould meant the bread was too moist with not enough ventilation, hard as a rock meant too dry with too much ventilation.
1 & 2 Under Glass.
The bread under glass with no ventilation got mouldy within 3 days. It was stored with the cut end down to prevent moisture loss with probably also accounted for the quick mould production.
This method didn't work. The crust became soft almost immediately after going under the glass domes and mould formed within days.
Results - FAIL
3. Unwrapped in a drawer
This was my attempt to replicate a bread box. I lined the drawer with a linen towel just in case there was any ick in the drawer. One loaf was placed with the cut end open to air, the other loaf had the cut end pushed against the side of the drawer.
This method worked surprisingly well, with the loaf that had the cut end pushed against the side of the drawer staying quite close to its original texture. Soft on the inside and crusty (not soft) crust.
Results - PRETTY DARN GOOD. But the drawer swelled up and the bread that didn't have the cut end covered up dried out.
4. In a linen bread bag.
This method was the best for keeping a crusty loaf and preventing mould but only for a couple of days. Within one day the bread started to harden just beneath the crust and the hardness just got deeper and deeper into the loaf with each day it was stored until by day 4 the bread was hard enough to break if you dropped it.
Results - Good for very short term storage.
5. Clay pot.
I decided to try storing bread in a clay pot since seeing this clay bread box a few years ago. It made sense. The clay would absorb extra moisture and help prevent the bread from going hard and stale. The hole in the top of the pot I figured would act as ventilation and allow moisture to escape.
It didn't work. The bread got mould on its cut end within a few days.
Results - FAIL. My DIY clay bread holder didn't allow enough moisture to escape. The one for sale on Amazon might work better. I'm not sure.
6. Under medium sized glass dome with ventilation - bread on its size. After seeing how quickly the bread went mouldy under glass domes with no ventilation I did two things. I added ventilation by just offsetting the glass dome so air could get underneath and storing the bread on its side so it could breath. I was worried it would dry out if I did this and it did dry out a little bit, but it not so much that that portion of bread wasn't edible. It just wasn't quite as soft as a fresh cut.
Results - Not bad, but not the winning combination either.
7. & 8. - Under glass domes (one large one smaller) with ventilation with the bread sitting on its cut edge.
Mould. Mould, mould, mould. I thought using a larger glass dome would maybe prevent the mould from forming so quickly but it didn't.
Results - FAIL.
Keep in mind with all of these methods, I wasn't cutting the bread daily exposing a new fresh end. This would help the bread stay fresher longer because you'd have a new cut end all the time which would prevent mould. If you were to use any of these methods while constantly cutting from the bread, they would stay fresh longer.
There was ONE method of storing the bread that worked much better than everything I tried. And here it is.
Yeah. Storing the bread in the bag it came from the bakery in. It was far and away the best method for storing the bread, lol. Another option along these lines is to store it in a paper bag at room temperature.
All of these methods are done using store bought bread but they apply to home baked bread as well.
Can you leave freshly baked bread out overnight?
When I bake bread I always leave it on the counter overnight. You definitely don't want to wrap it in something that it can't breath in (like a plastic bag) until it has completely cooled.
If you've already cut your bread make sure you store it with the cut side down on the counter to help stop the end from getting dry.
If you LIKE a soft crust then wrap the freshly baked bread in a tea towel.
If you LIKE a crispy crust just put it on the counter or on a cooling rack so the bottom has air circulating under it.
The other way to go is storing your bread in a little antique contraption called a bread box. They have proper ventilation and are literally made for storing bread. They used to be popular back in the olden days but they're making a comeback. Why is this relic making its way back into kitchens?
You might say that bread boxes are the greatest thing since before sliced bread.
I've already been browsing and I really like this sleek white metal one but of course I'll have to do some research and testing before I commit $29.99 and more importantly counter space to one.
What is the best way to keep bread fresh longer?
Storing bread in the freezer is the best way to keep it fresh long term. Avoid putting bread in the fridge though because the slow cooling does something to the starches which makes it stale quickly. If you plan on toasting it, that doesn't matter though.
The Conclusion
There are two major things that happen when you store bread. It either dries out, or it gets mouldy.
The best way to store it is in a paper bag or the bag your fresh bread came in (as long as it's a bakery bag and not a plastic bag). But even then don't expect to get any more than 3 days of freshness out of it.
For the longest shelf life and best quality, wrap your bread in plastic wrap or a plastic bag and store your fresh bread in the freezer. Slice it first then freeze. It'll be ready to grab a couple of pieces for a sandwich or thick piece of french toast drizzled with obscene amounts of maple cream. And butter. don't forget the butter.
Now if you'll excuse me I have some butter to make.
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Eileen
I have that box in the link! If I had any space in the kitchen I'd take my photos out of it and use it for bread.
susan w
Thank you for this experiment.
In New Mexico, we have conditions opposite from Houston - bread (and skin, and every else) dries out extremely fast. I try everything - plastic bag that bread comes in, bread in bag in plastic box, homemade bread in similar conditions, freezing part of loaf at a time. It's all similar results - so so
Bread drawer! I have a tin lined (maybe lead??) drawer in a 1914 Hoosier cabinet that Ive always wondered at its original purpose. Maybe its a bread drawer.
Kim
Lol. I hope it’s not lead. Because I have that same drawer and I use it for bread. 🤣🤣🤣 I am pretty sure it’s tin tbh.
Kps
We have not used a microwave in years. But I have found it is an excellent bread box.
Even for those marshmallow, no nutrients types of bread. Why do they always sell so many hot dog buns.....? It is always a waste!
Karen
No one has EVER figured out why they don't sell the same amount of hotdog buns as is in a package of hotdogs. It's a mystery of life. I always freeze my hotdog buns. They freeze well, but not for a long period fo time. As soon as they get icy they turn to mush. ~ karen!
RuthWard
Hey Karen....really interesting!
Would love for you to review bread boxes. I love making homemade crusty loaves...but it’s just me and my husband. It would be so great finding a storage vessel to keep its integrity!!
Lee Hoy
I am an at home bread baker. Without a doubt, I have found the absolute best way to keep bread fresh. I've been using this method for years and this way REALLY WORKS. Allow bread to cool to room temp, put into a plastic produce bag, put that bag into a wax cereal bag (Repurposed from cereal that comes in the box) then put it into a ziptop bag. Since it is just myself and the hubs, I slice half of the bread into portions and package as above and put into the freezer. Believe me this method works. I think it has to do with the wax paper.After all, that's how a lot of people preserved it way back when. Love your blogs!
Caroline
Hi Karen...I live in hot and humid Houston TX. AC is on 6-8 months of the year which tends to dry everything out. No AC, things mold quickly. I usually make a sourdough baguette and bolle every week or so. After many dried out or moldy loaves using various containers and methods, my husband and I have come up with this solution. Cut the bolle in half and vac-u-pac both pieces in food saver bags..with a small amount of air still in them so the pieces don't squish. One goes in the freezer, one in the fridge. Every time we get a piece out of the fridge, the rest gets vac-u-packed and again back in the fridge. As for the baguette, if it makes it past the first day (very unlikely due to smell/butter/appropriate meal to scarf it all up with) it goes in a foodsaver bag in the fridge also.
Heather
I love the way your mind works. You have so many, many ideas, and the boundless energy required to run with them. I'm going to try bread in its bag in a wooden bread box like the one my mum had. : )
Cay
What works for me is make sourdough bread it naturally lasts longer because of the acid content. I wrap the loaf in a towel then loosely in a plastic grocery bag. A loaf of sourdough
will last a week this way.
R
Thanks-- sort of.
What's to be used for those of us w home made crusty yum bread.......... and no bread bag/s?! 💜
PS love the 'taste tests'/experiments!
rj
Karen
Go to the store and ask for some. ;) For me the second best storage option was the drawer left open a tiny bit for ventilation. Or ... the freezer. A freezer will keep bread perfectly but it isn't exactly convenient when you suddenly want a piece of bread with marmalade. ~ karen!
Melissa Strack
If your local store has an in-store bakery, you probably could get away with taking home one or two empty bread bags!
Melissa Strack
If your local store has an in-store bakery, you probably could get away with taking home one or two empty bread bags! My big name grocery store bakery uses roll top paper bags with a clear window.
Gayle
You can buy bread bags from quality baking suppliers online. I only order my flours (all non GMO here) from King Arthur Flour and they have the bsgs but I haven't tried them--homemade bread doesn't last ling at my house. I do have their vented plastic bread box--works great!
Robert
I'm sure you'll be inundated with suggestions for bread boxes. For what it's worth, I've had success with the Prepworks PKS-800. Since it's transparent plastic, it's not going to win any beauty contests, but you can adjust the ventilation, and it's very easy to clean. And keeping it clean seems like an important consideration if you're trying to reduce the potential areas for mold growth.
Karen
Being transparent could be a plus because you wouldn't forget there was bread in there! ~ karen
Marna
For years I made bread and lots of other baked goods. I didn't worry, it didn't last long with my husband and then 3 sons came along. I buy special loaves now, just freeze it and take out what I need, no mold or anything. I haven't tried crusty bread yet, but that type still doesn't last with my husband around! I remember my mom, aunts and grandmas all had bread boxes, they must have worked from what I remember. :)
Jen
Best solution: 3 teenage boys.
SuzNKton
For the win!
Now if only I had a fridge big enough to keep them fully full!
Jo
The fridge is the best place. Discovered this about 4 years ago nd no mould EVER! Fricking genius!
Karen
Hi Jo! I hate to disagree (and honestly my mother keeps her bread in the fridge) but it's not the best place to store bread in terms of quality. The bag, or the freezer will keep the quality closer to the original day much better. But ... if you're fine with it, then that's O.K. too. ~ karen!
Heather
LOL! You got that right!
Karen
Yes, lol! ~ karen
Gayle
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
whitequeen96
If you're like me and only eat a little bread once in a while, you can freeze a loaf and it keeps quite well. I've only tried it with sliced bread so that I could take out a couple slices at a time to defrost. I suppose if you have a whole loaf frozen, you could just slice off a couple of frozen slices at a time. I've always kept the frozen bread in the bag in which it came.
Jen
Interesting, thanks, Karen.
Nicole B.
Bonjour Karen, from the picture, the clay pot plate looks like it's glazed, which would prevent moisture from evaporating from the cut end that is resting on the glazed plate. An unglazed plate might be worth a try?
Karen
Good eye! The base is glazed. But I did do a test with both (I just turned the plate upside down for the other test because the underside isn't glazed) . :) Either way the bread went mouldy. Which really surprised me. ~ karen!
LaineyDid
Unglazed clay is NOT food safe. Potter here ;)
Ingrid
I save the first slice- the end piece - and put it up against the cut side so there’s less air exposure, then stick the whole thing back into the paper bag it came in, and then put that paper bag inside a plastic grocery bag. Keep it on the counter, with the open end of the plastic bag tucked under. But you should still cut it every day. It’s so good, why save it? Eat and enjoy! It’s really not meant to last more than 3-4 days.
Anon
I keep my Wonder Bread in the plastic bag it came in and put it in the bread box. LOL
Karen
Hi Ingrid! The only problem is when you put the paper bag inside the grocery bag you're really trapping in a lot of moisture so increase the chance of mould or even worse .. a soggy crust. Try using jus the paper bag. If you desperately want to use two bags, because you have something about the number 2, then use two of the paper bags. One over each end of the bread. I think it'll give you a bit better result on the bread. :) ~ karen!
leo muzzin
How about the fridge? Metal box, cool inside, sliced bread lasts forever in there. LOL
Kps
It breaks down the sugars
Karen
NO!!!! I should have mentioned that. A refrigerator is the worst place to store this kind of bread. A freezer is perfect, but the fridge just dries it out. I'll go add that into the post. ~ karen!
Jessie
If you buy bread that has no additives and freeze it for too long of a period it just dries it out. I can buy half a loaf of sourdough at our store so that works for us, I also make croutons if I have too much bread left over.
Karen
You may be storing it in the freezer in the wrong thing. I store homemade bread in my freezer for months and it's perfect. I wrap it in tinfoil and then put that in a plastic bag. You can also activate the bread again by warming it in the oven to restore it's "freshness". ~ karen!
Joe T.
So why isn't the freezer + toaster oven combination the winner?
Jacquie Gariano
You are so right about bread in the refer. It also leaches all the "good" things out and the bread ends up tasting flat or like cardboard. NO refer.
Tina
I eat so little bread, I end up paying way too much to buy one little hamburger sized bun and nibble on it for a week. I figured out I could buy an entire loaf of the same bread (or a bag of 8 buns) for about the same price. But whatever I buy, in the summer it goes bad too quickly so I never even finish my entire bun. I’ll probably just quit eating it.
whitequeen96
This one on Amazon is only $19.99 and has 4.5 stars with with well over 2,000 reviews. I ran it through fakespot.com and the reviews are legitimate. We don't eat bread so I can't give it my own review. (I know, we're savages!)
Home-it Stainless Steel Bread Box
Dd51
I have that one, it works fine. But since my kids are no longer at home, I find a loaf of bread is too much for 2 people. If I make bread I keep only the amount my husband and I will eat in 3-4 days. The rest I freeze. I also keep it in a plastic bag that was originally from bread brought from the store. King Arthur Flour has a few different types of plastic bags for bread storage. I reuse them as needed.
Sandra D
Where is everyone getting their prices on Amazon? I went to Karen's link and it was $39.99 and put in the stainless steel one in their search box and it came to $29.00. I use amazon.ca (like Karen, I'm in Canada).
I have a wood one, but I don't leave them out of their store bought bag. Of course, they do go mouldy after awhile, but even my homemade bread keeps pretty good.
Bev out West
Sourdough rye made with water for the liquid and no sugar in it didn’t go mouldy stored in my plates cupboard. We used up the heel in soup.
Muff Hackett
I made my own bread for much of the last 35 years (although not as much as I used to because there were only 2 of us and my usual recipe made 5 loaves and we really shouldn't be eating that much bread per week between us.) More recently, with the advent of really good bread available from artisanal bakers in town, I have been buying really good bread. The kind you don't want to lose 1/2 of to staleness or mould.
The method that I have found that works best is the paper bag the bread came in loosely covered with a plastic bread bag (saved from a purchased loaf and reused who knows how many times.) The bread stays good for the better part of the week and we get to enjoy it.
Christine E
This is how my mother in law taught me, and it works like a charm!