Bread is a staple in most households, but keeping it fresh can be tough. Fortunately, a simple kitchen item — a tea towel — can keep it fresher for several days longer, according to a tip shared by TikTok content creator Krystian Alisha.
The Tea Towel Trick
Krystian Alisha, a content creator on TikTok, revealed a simple method for storing bread that helps ensure it remains fresh. She advises avoiding keeping bread near the fridge or dishwasher, as these appliances can have a detrimental impact on its freshness.
The heat and moisture generated by these appliances can inadvertently "cook your bread," resulting in it turning dry and crusty. To prevent this, she suggests wrapping bread in a tea towel and keeping it well away from any heat sources. This effortless technique can significantly extend bread's shelf life.
Why It Works
Contrary to popular belief, storing bread near a fridge or dishwasher is far from ideal. Both appliances emit heat and moisture, which can rapidly dry out bread kept in paper bags or cause bread stored in plastic bags to go mouldy. Refrigerating bread can result in it becoming stale and dry owing to the cold temperatures and reduced humidity, while the heat and steam generated by a dishwasher can equally cause bread to deteriorate.
The best approach is to keep bread in a cool, dry location such as a pantry or bread bin. Wrapping freshly baked bread in a clean, cotton tea towel can help preserve its freshness, particularly when it comes to sourdough. Cotton is a breathable material, allowing excess moisture to escape and preventing the bread from turning soggy, while retaining sufficient moisture to stop it from drying out too rapidly.
Other Ways to Keep Bread Fresh
There are several further techniques to keep bread as fresh as possible. These include storing bread in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, or excess moisture. Wrapping bread in a paper bag, a clean cloth, or a linen bag allows some air circulation, helping to stop the crust from getting soggy.
Bread should not be refrigerated, as this can cause it to dry out and become stale faster, especially if it's not properly wrapped. To allow bread to last longer, it can be frozen. 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. Label and date the bag to avoid consuming bread after it has exceeded its sell-by date.
