Adding a stick of celery to your bread bag can keep the loaf fresh and mould-free without freezing, according to food storage experts at Green Wraps. The vegetable's high water content and natural antibacterial properties help preserve the bread's texture and prevent spoilage.
Why Celery Works
The specialists said, "The unique properties of celery make it an interesting candidate for preserving bread. One of the most remarkable properties of celery is its high water content, which is about 95% of its weight." They added, "By placing one or two celery stems inside a bread bag, the moisture within the stems can be transferred to the surrounding environment."
Celery also contains natural antibacterial qualities courtesy of compounds such as phthalates and apigenin, which helps keep mould at bay. Additionally, the vegetable emits ethylene gas, a plant hormone that, in bread, prolongs its lifespan by hindering starch degradation.
How to Store Bread with Celery
Place one or two celery sticks next to your loaf if you're storing it on the kitchen counter. Store bread in a bread bin, fabric bag, or paper bag wherever feasible, as it needs a well-ventilated yet sheltered environment to stay fresh and prevent mould.
Avoid leaving bread in its original supermarket packaging, as plastic traps too much moisture, which promotes mouldy growth. Keep bread storage away from windows, hobs, or other heat sources, as warmth hastens the staling process. Do not put bread in the fridge, as the cold causes starch molecules to crystallise, accelerating staleness.
By keeping bread next to a couple of celery sticks and positioning it in a cool spot in your kitchen, you can prolong its freshness by several days or possibly up to a week beyond its normal shelf life.
