Can bread go in the fridge?
In this brief, we will answer the query, “ can bread go in the fridge?”. We will also discuss whether bread can be frozen for later use and the best way to thaw them.
Can bread go in the fridge?
This might sound absurd to many but yes bread can go in the fridge. It has been a topic of debate for a long time whether storing bread in the fridge does justice to the soft inside and crusty outside baked goodness.
If stored properly, bread stored in the fridge will help increase its shelf life by at least 3-5 days as compared to the ones in the freezer.
Bread is one staple in every household that goes stale very quickly. Keeping them fresh for longer is a mission.
Bread’s main ingredient, wheat, is made up of crystals of starch which tend to crystallise when cooled off.
That’s the reason the bread kept in the fridge tends to look stale faster. This process is called retrogradation or re-crystallization of starch.
So a quick toast or warming in the oven will reverse the process of recrystallization to bring the bread to its former glory.
How to store bread in the fridge?
Bread can be stored in the fridge to extend its shelf life by a few days. But in order to achieve so, one should store them properly in an airtight container or a zip lock bag or wrapped in a plastic wrap to avoid any moisture from the fridge.
In case of any moisture coming in contact with the bread, the bread will turn soggy and mould will start to appear. So it is best to have it packed airtight to maximise its life.
Can you freeze bread?
The best way of preserving bread for a longer period of time is no doubt to freeze them. Depending on the ingredients, their fat content, and protein bread loaves can be frozen for 3 to 6 months.
One should be mindful while freezing the bread to avoid freezer burn. Storing in an airtight container or wrapping tightly with a plastic wrap will help prevent the bread loaves from freezing. One can freeze the whole loaves or can freeze them sliced into desirable portion sizes that can be thawed as needed.
How to thaw frozen bread?
The best way of storing the bread for longer use is freezing but it won’t be good if one doesn’t thaw the frozen bread properly. If the bread is not defrosted properly then it can create a soft, watery mess.
It is best advised to thaw the bread in the fridge overnight or at least 12 hours. Also, keep in mind that you unwrap or take the bread out of the container to avoid the water content destroying the bread if left in the same container or the plastic wrap. Also thawing in the kitchen counter is also not advised.
In the case of frozen bread slices, it’s always easy to toast them straight away from the freezer though the proper defrosted ones will give a better taste.
Where is the best place to store bread?
As we have talked about storing the bread in the fridge and also freezing them to maximise its shelf life, the best place to store the bread whether it’s homemade or a store bought is the kitchen counter in an airtight container or the plastic wrap.
Bread doesn’t love to be around moist and warm areas of the kitchen like near the fridge or the dishwashers.
These kinds of environments will speed up the staling process and can also form mould easily. So in order to avoid the nasties, store the bread in a rather dark part of your kitchen.
If stored in an airtight bag, homemade bread will last for 3-5 days because they do not have preservatives in them. Meanwhile, the store bought bread stored properly at room temperature will last for 5-7 days before stalin.
What are the signs of stale bread?
Bread stored in the fridge or at room temperature will eventually be stale as hard one can try to keep them fresh for longer. There are certain signs that should be noticed to know when the bread is stale.
Moulding of the bread is a significant change in the texture of the bread which is one of the main signs of staling. If the bread has developed moulds, then it is best advised to throw it in thrash. Also, an important trait is a smell, if the bread starts to smell funky then it has gone stale.
Conclusion
In this brief, we answered the query, “ can bread go in the fridge?”. We also discussed whether bread can be frozen for later use and the best way to thaw them.
I hope you find this blog useful. If you have any questions, please let us know.
