How to freeze bread for maximum freshness: Expert tips
Before a long holiday, when shops will be closed, or sometimes just out of habit, bread is often bought in advance. The best way to avoid wastage is by freezing. It's essential that you consume the bread stored in this manner within the appropriate timeframe. Many mistakenly "extend" this conventional period.
Freezing bread is one of those tasks we frequently undertake. After all, we can't always eat bread within just two days of buying it. Many people are well-acquainted with this method, which allows us to avoid throwing away bread when it has already dried out or developed mould. However, few people know how long bread can be kept in the freezer. If, for you, it's a matter of a few months, it's best not to stop reading this article.
What kind of bread is suitable for freezing?
The bread we buy should primarily be fresh. If we decide to freeze it, we should do so within two days of purchasing it (the bread should still be fresh before freezing). There are several options, as we can freeze the bread whole or slice it into pieces. The best method to extend the bread's freshness is to place it in plastic food-freezing bags with special seals. Before putting it into the freezer, remember to remove the air from the bag and mark the freezing date.
How long to keep bread in the freezer?
Bread should not be stored in the freezer for more than three months. After this time, unappetising dry spots may appear on the bread, affecting its taste and texture. That's why it is important to write the freezing date on the packaging, to ensure we don't exceed the maximum storage period. Another crucial factor is proper packaging of bread before freezing. To prevent bread slices from sticking together, it is recommended to wrap them individually in cling film or place them in separate bags or portion them in another way. This will help avoid issues when thawing only the needed amount of bread, for instance, for breakfast.
How to properly thaw bread?
After the appropriate storage time, the bread should be properly thawed. To best retain its flavour, it is advised to first remove the bread from the freezer and allow it to slowly reach room temperature. Never speed up this process in an oven or microwave, as it can affect the bread's structure and taste. After thawing, it's a good idea to gently warm the bread to regain its crispiness. This can be done in the oven at a low temperature or on a dry frying pan. This way, the bread will regain freshness comparable to freshly baked bread.
