If you’re someone who loves to buy sourdough bread and keep it in the fridge to enjoy throughout the week, you might want to think twice about your storage technique
Sourdough bread has become a favourite for many, with its soft, chewy texture and often healthier profile compared to other supermarket loaves that can be ultra-processed. Whether you’re crafting a sandwich or topping it with avocado and a poached egg, it’s a food item that never fails to satisfy.
Once you start buying it, there’s no turning back. However, a stark warning has been issued to sourdough lovers who pick it up during their weekly shop.
Apparently it is all to do with how you store it at home.
According to the experts at The Perfect Loaf, one common mistake can cause it to turn stale much faster.
There’s nothing more disappointing than baking a fresh loaf of sourdough or bringing one home from the shop, using a few slices, only to find that the rest has gone stale.
While it might seem like a good idea to store the bread in the fridge – typically the go-to place to keep food from spoiling – this should be avoided at all costs, reports the Express.
The experts highlighted that storing your bread in the fridge will make it go stale much quicker than if it was kept at room temperature.
Instead, you should store it in a plain paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel before slicing, which will maintain its softness.
If you have a bread bin at home, then this is also an excellent solution.
For those looking to keep their bread fresh in the long run, freezing is your best bet.
Experts have revealed: “The retrogradation process can be mostly halted by subjecting bread to very low temperatures, preventing moisture migration out of starches and their subsequent recrystallisation.”
They also note: “This means a cooled loaf can be frozen whole or sliced completely, and then the slices are frozen independently.”
It’s easy-peasy – just slice up your loaf, stash it in sealable bags and shove it in the freezer. Craving a slice?
Just grab one, whack it in your toaster and voila!
Granted, frozen slices might need an extra minute or two to brown up compared to fresh, but you’ll hardly notice the difference.