Bread is a staple in most households, but keeping it fresh can be tough. A simple storage method, demonstrated by content creator Krystian Alisha on TikTok, may help keep it fresher for longer: wrap it in a tea towel and store it away from heat sources.
Why the Tea Towel Method Works
Storing bread near a fridge or dishwasher is not advisable. Both appliances produce heat and moisture, which can rapidly dry out bread kept in paper bags or cause bread stored in plastic bags to go mouldy. While keeping bread in the fridge can result in it drying out and turning stale owing to the cold temperatures and low humidity, the heat and steam produced by a dishwasher can equally cause bread to dry out.
Wrapping freshly baked bread in a clean, cotton tea towel can help preserve its freshness, especially when it comes to sourdough. Cotton is a breathable material, allowing moisture to escape and stopping the bread from becoming soggy. It also helps to retain a degree of moisture, which can prevent the bread from drying out too rapidly.
Other Ways to Keep Bread Fresh
Several additional techniques can help keep bread as fresh as possible. These include:
- Store bread in a cool, dry place, never exposed to direct sunlight, heat, or excess moisture.
- Wrap bread in a paper bag, a clean cloth, or a linen bag to allow some air circulation, preventing the crust from getting soggy.
- Do not refrigerate bread, as this can lead to it drying out and becoming stale faster, especially if it's not properly wrapped.
- Freeze bread to make it last longer. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and add a layer of foil or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn.
- When freezing, use freezer-safe bags and remove as much air as possible before sealing to maximise freshness.
- Label and date the bag so you don't consume the bread after it's exceeded its sell by date.
