The Mistake With Storing Bread Out On The Countertop For Too Long

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Bread is a staple in most kitchens, but depending on how it is stored, it can be a cautionary tale about food waste. How many times have you had to pitch the rest of your sourdough loaf because it either developed mold or turned into a hockey puck? How long can you store bread on the counter before it goes stale or gets moldy? The mistake with storing bread is not necessarily that you're keeping it on the countertop, but that you're exposing it to light, heat, or moisture. There are a few ways to avoid having your loaf of bread go bad prematurely, keeping in mind that it is not just where to store bread, but how.

Unfortunately, the shelf life of fresh bread tends to be a lot shorter than we like to think. According to the USDA, bread that's baked commercially can last two to four days at room temperature. So if you are keeping your bread on the counter, you have a greater chance of exposing it to light and moisture: two things that promote the growth of mold. The second biggest mistake when it comes to bread storage is the packaging. Most of us grab that loaf of bread from the store, bring it home, and leave it in its plastic baggie. That plastic retains heat and moisture that speeds up the presence of mold spores, whether we can see them right away or not. There is a better way to store bread and ensure you are getting the freshest experience.

The best way to avoid moldy or stale bread is to keep it in a bread box, like Grandma did. The environment in a bread box is perfect for air circulation, yet keeps out unnecessary moisture and light. Moreover, today's bread boxes reflect an interest in form as well as function, and can be a downright cute addition to your kitchen countertop. This Bambang extra large bread box from Amazon is made from bamboo with a beveled glass front. In addition to wood, it is safe to store bread in stainless steel or ceramic boxes. You can also choose from rolltop boxes or front openings. Storing bread in a bread box will increase its shelf life by a day or two, but if you invest in a bread box, pay attention to where you place it. The countertop is the ultimate place for your bread box, away from sunlight and any heat from appliances.

Alternatives to countertop storage for bread can be the refrigerator or freezer. While the refrigerator is an option for a couple of days, it is not the ideal answer, as the amount of air will render the bread stale pretty quickly. If you are not using bread each day and you want to preserve a loaf for a later date, freezing it is a great option. You can use the double-wrap method of plastic wrap followed by some aluminum foil. Make sure to wrap it tightly and the bread should last up to three months without taking on any freezer burn.