Bread is one of the most wasted foods in UK households, but a simple storage hack using celery could help keep it fresh for longer. The Wheeldon Brothers, waste reduction specialists, recommend placing a stick of crisp celery inside the bread bag to extend shelf life by up to a week.
Why Celery Works
According to the experts, celery releases moisture that prevents bread from drying out without encouraging mould growth. When stored in the fridge, the combination of cool temperature and celery keeps the bread soft and fresh.
Modifying Packaging
Contrary to popular belief, airtight bread bins and sealed plastic bags can trap moisture, creating ideal conditions for mould. The Wheeldon Brothers suggest cutting small holes in bread bags to allow moisture to escape, reducing condensation and mould development.
"Moisture trapped in a sealed bag creates the perfect environment for mould to grow," they noted. "Making a few small holes helps reduce that risk - just be careful not to overdo it, or the bread will dry out too quickly."
Alternative Fridge Method
Another approach is to keep bread in the fridge inside an airtight container. This provides an extra barrier against external moisture and fridge odours, preserving optimal storage conditions. The spokesperson added: "Keeping the bread in its original bag and placing it inside a container with a tight-fitting lid is a great way to keep it fresher for longer."
Almost 11 million loaves are discarded daily across the UK, yet with proper storage, most could be saved. Pre-sliced loaves are the biggest offenders for mould, while whole bakery loaves like sourdough tend to go stale quickly after cutting. This simple celery trick offers a practical solution to reduce waste.
