Can you eat moldy bread?
In this brief guide, we will discuss the following question, “can you eat moldy bread?”, and other queries related to this topic.
Can you eat moldy bread?
No, you can not eat moldy bread because it is not safe. Because a part of your bread has developed mold that means that the whole loaf is contaminated. Moreover, the bread due to its ingredients allows bacteria to penetrate, proliferate and spread quickly.
However, if your bread loaf is already sliced and mold has grown on a single slice it is ok to throw it away and keep the remaining pieces. Furthermore, moldy bread contains toxins and more specially mycotoxins that are very harmful to health.
Besides, some people are allergic to some types of fungi and mold. Hence, these allergies can be life-threatening, because they cause allergic reactions such as asthma and anaphylaxis. Also, people with chronic diseases can develop some infections if exposed to toxins.
Additionally, the smell and the taste of the moldy bread will go off. So, the bread will be unpalatable.
What is bread mold?
Bread mold is the development of mold and fungi within the bread. The reason behind the capacity of mold and fungi to develop on bread is due to the ingredients mixed to make the bread, so the fungi break down carbohydrates and nutrients to grow and develop.
So, once the bread becomes moldy fuzzy green, yellow, brown, black, or white materials will develop. Those foreign bodies are spores. Those spores can be spread and travel through the air leading to the contamination of the other pieces of bread.
How to store bread?
The best way to store your bread and avoid its spoilage is in the refrigerator. However, in the refrigerator put it in a well-sealed and air-tight container. Additionally, some people store their bread at room temperature over the counter or in the fridge, so the warm temperature will make the bread mold faster.
Moreover, refrigeration will make your bread stale. Because cold air and humidity will change the structure of the sugar molecules inside the bread leaving it dry to eat. Hence, putting it in the oven for several minutes will make it fresh once again.
Additionally, you can keep your bread in a bread box to ensure its freshness for a longer time. This method will keep the inside of your bread loaf moist and the crust crispy. Furthermore, you can store your bread loaf in a plastic bag.
However, if you made a bread loaf or you bought it fresh from the store, keep it to cool down on the counter before putting it in the plastic bag. Because when the bread is still hot, it will lead to condensation. The moisture caused by the condensation will favor mold development.
Furthermore, bread loaves can be frozen. Before freezing, keep your bread cool at room temperature, then cut it into slices. That way will facilitate its usage and thawing once you need it to do your sandwich. Next, put it in an air-tight container to keep it fresh.
How to deter mold growth on bread?
Generally, homemade bread does not contain preservatives, so it will last for three to four days over the counter. However, store-bought bread might contain several preservatives that increase its shelf life and avoid its quick spoilage.
Moreover, using a sourdough starter can ensure that your bread will last longer because this type of yeast contains bacteria that help in producing lactic acid. This compound will make the environment acidic which is not appropriate for bacterial growth.
Furthermore, the addition of several spices like cinnamon and other condiments will reduce the chance of mold and bacteria proliferating within your bread.
What happens if you eat moldy bread?
Eating moldy bread is not safe, however, if you ate it by mistake you will not get sick directly after its consumption. Hence, moldy bread will lead to food intoxication and poisoning due to the toxins and spores secreted by the fungi and the bacteria.
Furthermore, the acidity in the stomach and the immune system are capable of destroying mold and bacteria once they enter our body. So, if you consume moldy bread you will not get sick, hence you might develop some symptoms like stomach pain and nausea.
Therefore, if your symptoms keep on worsening and you develop vomiting and diarrhea, contact your doctor right away. Your physician will prescribe you anti-nausea medications, or sometimes they might prescribe medications that help flush your gastrointestinal tract.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we will discuss the following question, “can you eat moldy bread?”, and other queries related to this topic.
