How to Keep Moisture Out of Loaves of Bread

Commercial bread has preservatives to keep it fresh longer, but that won't prevent mold from growing.

Commercially purchased bread will become moldy in a high-humidity environment unless it is properly stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Freshly baked bread must be allowed to cool off completely before storing to allow the excess moisture to evaporate.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Plastic wrap
• Plastic zipper bags

Instructions

Commercial Bread

1. Remove twist-tie and open the bread bag.

2. Insert a paper towel on top of the bread to absorb excess moisture.

3. Squeeze out excess air and reseal the bag with twist-tie.

Freezing Bread

1. Open the bag of bread.

2. Insert a paper towel between the bread and bag. This will allow the paper towel to absorb moisture when the bread is thawed at a later time.

3. Squeeze out excess air and seal bag tightly.

4. Place the bread bag in a zippered plastic bag for additional protection against moisture and freezer burn.

5. Place in the freezer. The bread will retain its nutritional value for up to 3 months.

Freshly Baked Bread

1. Keep a paper towel atop the bread to absorb excess moisture. If the bread has been sliced, turn the bread onto a cutting board with the cut-end facing down. Keep the bread moisture-free longer by refrigerating or freezing.

2. Wrap excess bread tightly in plastic wrap.

3. Store in a zippered bag and squeeze out the excess air.

4. Place in the refrigerator to keep the moisture out or freeze for future use.

Tips & Warnings

• Line a vegetable drawer with paper towels to the refrigerate bread. The towels will absorb excess moisture and keep the bread fresh.

• Bread that contains milk or eggs should be refrigerated to avoid food poisoning.

References

• University of Alaska: Where Should I Store Bread To Keep It Fresh?
• NSW: Bread, Pastry And Cakes
• FMI: Freezing Food
• Reader's Digest: 9 Things You Can Do With Paper Towels