Bread will stay fresher and mould-free for longer if stored in unexpected place

Bread is at the top of most people’s shopping lists, but it can be frustrating when it begins to go mouldy and stale after a few days. 

It may seem obvious to keep bread on the countertop or in a bread box, but where you store bread in the kitchen will affect how long it keeps fresh. 

Emilie Raffa, a baker and founder of The Clever Carrot, has explained that heat from kitchen appliances is one of the most common ways bread spoils before its time. 

She said: “Years ago, we used to keep our bread in a plastic bag, in a drawer nestled in-between the dishwasher and fridge. 

“The excess heat from the two appliances, plus the moisture locked in the plastic bag, created the perfect storm for mould to grow. Everything in that drawer was covered in green hairy spots- rolls, tortillas, raisin bread- you name it! “

READ MORE: Berries stay fresh and won’t go mouldy with cheap and simple storage methods

Emilie explained: “Sandwich bread does well when stored in a plastic bag; it locks in moisture which keeps the crust soft. But too much moisture will create mould, so I’ve found it’s best not to keep the bag airtight. Loosely twist the end to close.

“Paper bags are more breathable than plastic, which is great for brioche rolls, soft buns, and other breads with added fat. But too much air will make the bread go stale quickly. Consider keeping these bags airtight as best you can.” 

Bread boxes can be good for keeping bread fresher for longer it can also be bulky and take up too much space on the countertop, which is why Emilie recommends against using one. 

Instead, Emilie has said the fridge is one of the best places to keep sandwich bread from becoming mouldy as long as it is sealed in packaging or clingfilm to prevent it from going stale. 

She said: “Fresh bread can in fact be stored in the fridge, contrary to what you might’ve read online (I never used to recommend this myself!). We do this at our restaurant with excellent results.

You may need to warm the bread up at 150C in the oven before using to keep the bread’s texture, but storing bread in the fridge will keep it mould-free and much fresher for longer than storing it on the countertop.