How long are bagels good for in the fridge?
In this brief guide we will answer the question, ‘how long are bagels good for in the fridge?’. We will look at the factors that make bagels decline in quality and then consequently spoil. We will also discuss ways to store bagels to make them last for an optimum period.
How long are bagels good for in the fridge?
Bagels last for around 3-7 days in the fridge.
Is it necessary to store bagels in the refrigerator?
You do not need to store bagels in the refrigerator. Food experts and bakeries advise against storing bagels in the refrigerator. If the climate is hot and humid, it is advisable to keep the bagels in the fridge, otherwise, it is unnecessary.
Bagels harden as a result of hot and humid weather. If you leave the bagel out in such adverse weather conditions, the bagel will attain a poor texture.
Similar to bread, bagels experience a decline in quality in the refrigerator. The bagel will become stale quicker because the starch molecules recrystallize. Bagel is usually carbohydrate made by baking flour dough as a crucial ingredient. Hence, the starch molecules, the star of the show, do not thrive well inside a refrigerator.
If you are keen on preserving the bagel, storing it in the fridge helps. The cool temperature slows down the growth of mold. A low temperature is effective at slowing down the growth of bacteria and fungus.
How does the fridge help to keep away mold and fungus?
Moderate temperatures harbor bacterial growth. A hot or cold environment will hinder the reproduction of microorganisms.
Refrigeration is significant when it comes to slowing down food spoilage. However, food still spoils in a refrigerator at a slower and safer pace. The temperature of the fridge should be at least 40 degrees.
How to store bagels?
When you cover the bagels, you prevent ambient microorganisms and oxygen from your food. If you leave your food uncovered, you are inviting bacteria to spoil your food.
When your food in the fridge is covered, you prevent the flavor and smell of other foods from defiling it.
A temperature higher than 140 Fahrenheit encourages bacterial growth. Spoilage is usually a quality issue in its initial stage and does not cause illness. However, gradually the food becomes a complete hazard.
This implies that bagels do not need to be refrigerated unless you risk spoilage and the bagels going to waste.
Will bagels spoil quicker if you do not refrigerate?
If you do not refrigerate, the bagels will spoil quicker. If you leave it at room temperature, the bagels would last for 2-3 days.
Even if the bagels stay good for 2-3 days in the kitchen top, they will be worth the while. The bagels will stay fresh, soft, and spongy as they should. However, if you suspect that you will not be able to get through, it is better to put it in the fridge. Even if you do experience a slight decline in quality, at least food will not go to waste and last for a few more days.
The bagels will stay edible after 2-3 days but will become hard and lose freshness. If you would like to retain the optimum quality of bagels, it is best to freeze them. In the freezer, the bagels will last for 3 months.
Freezing is a better option than refrigeration if you prefer to eat bagels that resemble fresh ones. In the freezer, the starch molecules retain their texture and the bagels will seem fresh. On contrary, bagels that were refrigerated seem to be stiff and chewy.
How to store bagels?
- Before you refrigerate, make sure it comes down to room temperature.
- Always keep the bagels covered in an airtight container.
- Use a plastic film to wrap the bagels in, then put it into an airtight container before you store it.
How soon could you expect the bagels to diminish in quality and then grow mold?
The bagels will stay safe for consumption for around 5-7 days. If the bagels have preservative as an additive, the bagels will stay edible for up to a week. After changes in smell or mold appear, the bagels become unfit for consumption. If the bagels have declined in quality and texture, they are still edible.
IF the bagels become stale when stored on the countertop, they can be revived to some extent. Use a toaster or an oven to toast the bagels. Alternatively, sprinkle some water on a paper towel, use it to cover the bagels, then, microwave.
In this brief guide we answered the question, ‘how long are bagels good for in the fridge?’. We looked at the factors that make bagels decline in quality and then consequently spoil. We also discussed ways to store bagels to make them last for an optimum period.
Other FAQs about Bagels that you may be interested in.
How to toast bagels in the oven? (2 ways)
What is the cooking time of 12 bagel bites in the microwave?
