Moist crumbs and firm crust are great combinations a fresh bread has to offer. However, if stored improperly, breads can either become dry, spongy or moldy.
Hence, many people store their breads in a cool dry place, which is the ideal storage. Nevertheless, if you have a lot of bread left and need to extend its lifespan, you can store your bread in the fridge.
Keep on reading to learn how to properly store breads in the fridge and keep it safe, delicious for longer.
How long does bread last in the fridge?
Breads that were brought from the store can last up to nine days if you store it in the fridge while breads that are homemade will typically last around twelve days.
How to store bread in the fridge?
If you are storing homemade bread in the fridge, you can use an airtight container, freezer bag or plastic wrap. But before you seal and store the loaf, make sure the bread is entirely cooled off.
For store-bought bread, just keep it in its original packaging and use the bread clip. This will ensure the moisture is locked into your bread.
Should bread be kept in the refrigerator?
Storing your bread in a dry place at room temperature is ideal, but if you have lots of bread then you can put it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to seal and store the bread properly.
Can bread last a month in the fridge?
No. As said earlier breads can last around nine to twelve days if you store them in the fridge.
Still, there’s a chance your bread will become dry, crumbly and flavorless if you store them improperly in the fridge. Also, there might be mold build ups, so better inspect the bread before you consume it.
How to freeze and defrost bread?
Your bread should be stored in an air-tight container in order to preserve it in the fridge or freezer. You can also use the plastic bag or freezer-safe plastic bag.
First wrap the bread in aluminum foil or cling film if you are using a plastic container with an air-tight lid to remove all the air.
Consider double-bagging if you are storing hard-crusted bread.
You can also freeze the whole loaf if you are planning to serve it two weeks after storing it.
As for bread for daily consumption, better slice the loaf before freezing it. This way you can only defrost the slice of bread you need and leave the rest of the slices frozen.
For the breads that were already sliced, separate them before putting them in the freezer.
Can you eat expired bread if it was refrigerated?
Yes. As long as there is no smell, molds or the texture is dry and crumbly, then you can still eat it.
Bread lasts a few more days if you place it in the fridge. It can go beyond the best by date printed on the bag, so it is still safe to eat.
Can you eat 2-month-old bread?
No, unless you seal it properly and store it in the freezer.
Two-month-old bread might have lost its flavor and moisture, especially if it was not stored correctly. You might also notice molds on it.
How do you know if the bread is bad?
Breads will eventually become dry and stale in most cases even though it was properly stored.
The bread has probably gone bad if it has an unusual smell. If you notice there are some discolorations like green or grey, then it is probably mold.
Can old bread make you sick?
Bread is still safe to eat if it is just stale and dry. Meanwhile, moldy breads should be avoided. You should discard the entire loaf if you notice any signs of molds.
If you accidentally eat moldy bread, no need to panic. Moldy bread may not pose a health risk, particularly to a person with a healthy immune system. A few minutes after eating moldy bread, you might experience nausea and vomiting.
But if you notice any other symptoms and it’s worsening, you might be allergic to molds. If this is the case, you need to consult a doctor right away.
Is bread mold dangerous?
Yes. Bread mold is dangerous particularly for a person who is sensitive to mold.
Mold can irritate the nose, eyes, and throat of a person. It can also cause irritation to the respiratory system if inhaled.
Also, if there are molds growing in the bread, it is a sign that there are other harmful bacteria present in the bread.
