Bread has a bad habit of quickly becoming mouldy or stale, but Marks and Spencer has shared a simple food storage method that can keep your loaves fresh up to three months longer.
Why Bread Spoils Faster in Summer
Bread is more likely to become mouldy in summer due to the hot, humid weather. Higher temperatures speed up mould growth and increase the chances of it turning green and spongy. Although a bread box is commonly used to keep a loaf fresh, these enclosed spaces can become very humid at this time of year, creating ideal conditions for mould.
The M&S Clingfilm Solution
Heather Taylor from Marks and Spencer Food has shared a much easier way to store bread and keep it edible for longer. The key is clingfilm. She said: "Bread is one of the most-wasted ingredients and freezes brilliantly. Try halving your sourdough loaf then wrapping one in cling film then freezing."
Many households are reluctant to freeze bread because they worry it will lose its flavour or become soggy when thawed. Bread can also lose moisture in cold conditions, causing it to go stale, while freezing can lead to freezer burn that leaves it dry and leathery. However, wrapping bread tightly in cling film helps protect it by creating an airtight barrier that reduces moisture loss and limits exposure to air. This helps preserve the bread's texture and freshness for longer.
How to Freeze and Thaw Bread Using the M&S Method
To begin, freeze bread as soon as you bring it home from the supermarket, as it will taste much better than if you wait a few days. Make sure to slice the bread before freezing it, as this makes it easier to take out only what you need rather than defrosting an entire loaf.
Wrap the bread tightly in cling film, removing as much air as possible. If you plan to store it for longer than a few weeks, double-wrap it to help keep it fresh for longer.
To thaw the bread, leave it wrapped in cling film at room temperature for a few hours, which will help prevent it from drying out. However, if you are making toast, you can put the slices straight into the toaster from frozen.
Bread can last for up to three months in the freezer, making it a simple and effective way to reduce food waste and save money on your food shop.
