Guide

How to keep bread fresh

Judith Erdin

2.10.2024

Translation: Veronica Bielawski

Video: Valentina Sproge-Werndli

Camera: Aline Piazza, Davide Arizzoli

Support: Eva Lipecki, Mia Kuchen

Co-author: Simon Balissat

What’s the best way to store bread so it stays fresh for as long as possible? We tested four options and found a clear winner.

When it comes to storing bread, opinions differ. In fact, it’s not just a matter of taste, but almost a matter of faith. Some people swear by plastic containers; they love it when the bread crust becomes softer and softer over time, all the while ignoring the subtle mouldy taste that develops after two or three days. Others can’t be bothered and simply leave the bread unpacked to dry out. So what’s the better method?

Bread bon vivant Simon and I don’t want to rely on faith. We want facts. So, we put four bread storing methods to the test. Check out our video to find out how to keep bread fresh the longest and which methods to avoid. For English subtitles, click the gear icon, «Subtitles/CC» and «Auto-translate».

What actually happens as bread goes stale?

As bread goes stale, it primarily loses water, becoming dry. At temperatures between -8°C and +8°C (e.g. in the fridge), bread goes stale three times faster than at higher or lower temperatures. So, unlike other foods like milk, cheese or meat, it’s not a good idea to store bread in the fridge. Doing so won’t extend its shelf life. On the contrary, it’ll shorten it. Sure, you may well have heard the opposite. After all, petrol station sandwiches are stored in the fridge and the bread doesn’t dry out. But have you looked at the ingredient list? Have a glance and it’ll be clear why these sandwiches don’t go stale as quickly.

If you’re interesting in baking your own, E-number-free toast bread, check out my recipe (recipe in German).

Not a smart idea: keeping bread in a plastic bag
Source: Galaxus

What’s the right temperature for storing bread?

If you’re planning to eat the bread within a few days, you’re best off keeping it at room temperature. If you like to bake a bunch of bread as meal prep, you can freeze it for up to four months. Breads with a standard to somewhat thin crust or plaited loaves can be frozen perfectly – and taste just as fresh when re-baked. No one will be able to tell the difference. For breads with a particularly thick, crispy crust, the crust may crumble a little when baking. But this won’t affect the taste.

Want to make the plaited loaf from the video? Here’s the recipe for your new favourite plaited loaf (recipe in German).

Do you prefer crispy bread with a dark crust? Then I recommend my recipe for the cantonal bread from Vaud (recipe in German).

Different breads go stale at different speeds

It’s also important to note that not all bread goes stale at the same rate. The outer parts of the grain, i.e. the husk, can store much more water than the inside. As white flour is made of only the innermost part of the grain, an airy loaf of white bread won’t stay fresh and moist as long as a loaf of whole-grain bread. Bread baked from a dough with a long proofing period, like sourdough or bread with very little yeast, also keeps longer than bread that’s only been allowed to rise for a very short time.

You yearn to bake breads with a long proofing time, but can’t keep your sourdough starter alive?

Then my book is right for you (book in German).

Dein bestes Brot über Nacht (German, Judith Erdin, 2024)

Guidebooks

EUR36,–

Dein bestes Brot über Nacht

German, Judith Erdin, 2024

If, despite all the facts listed here, you still think a plastic container is the right place to stick your bread, then go for it. Just don’t come crying to me after a night spent on the toilet due to mouldy bread. I did warn you.

70 people like this article

Judith Erdin

Bloggerin und Backbuch-Autorin von Streusel.ch

simon.balissat@digitecgalaxus.ch

Baking book author, food blogger and content creator by day. Other people's cat lover, peanut butter junkie and houseplant hospice nurse by night.

Guide

Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

Guide
Bread is dead, long live bread 2.0
by Simon Balissat
video
Guide
How to braid an eight strand loaf
by Judith Erdin
video
Background information
Is spelt flour actually healthier than wheat flour?
by Judith Erdin