Here’s Why You Should Never Store Fresh Bread Inside of a Plastic Bag or Wrap
Fresh bread should never be stored in plastic as it traps moisture, making the crust soggy and encouraging mold growth. Foil is slightly better but still not ideal. The best storage method is a bread box or paper bag to allow air circulation, or, for longer storage, freezing bread in slices and only thawing them when they're needed.
Bread is a staple in many daily diets, from sandwiches to focaccia to all types of delightful loaves. While store-bought bread is convenient and cheap, nothing can compare to a fresh loaf from an artisanal bakery or even homemade sourdough bread. However, the joy of fresh bread comes with a challenge: its short shelf life. After just a couple of days, fresh bread goes stale, and storing it in plastic can make things even worse.
Why Plastic is Bad for Fresh Bread
Storing fresh bread in plastic is a big no-no. Fresh bread contains more moisture than store-bought bread, which often has preservatives to keep it soft. When you store fresh bread in plastic, the moisture gets trapped, creating a humid environment that makes the crust soggy and encourages mold growth. Plastic works for store-bought bread because it’s designed to maintain its softness and shelf life, thanks to those preservatives. But for fresh bread, plastic is the enemy of that delicious, crispy crust and fluffy interior.
Is Foil as Bad as Plastic Wrap?
You might wonder if foil is any better than plastic wrap for storing bread. Foil is slightly better because it doesn’t trap moisture the same way plastic does. However, it’s still not ideal. Foil can keep the bread somewhat fresh for a short period, but it can’t prevent the bread from going stale or moldy for long. It’s better than plastic in a pinch, but not the best solution for maintaining the bread’s quality.
The Best Way to Store Bread
So, what’s the best way to keep your bread fresh? The key is to allow the bread to breathe while also protecting it from drying out. A bread box or a paper bag is your best bet. These allow some air circulation while keeping the bread from getting too dry. If you want to store bread for more than a few days, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread before freezing, then wrap the slices in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can take out just what you need and keep the rest fresh. As for the fridge, it’s not the best place for bread; it accelerates staling. Stick to the freezer if you need to store bread long-term.
