Why bread should no longer be stored in the refrigerator?

Indispensable on every table, bread has a prominent place in the kitchen. And, the fresher and crispier it is, the more deliciously it accompanies our soups, salads and stews. Moreover, to maintain its freshness, everyone has their own method: some keep it in the pantry carefully wrapped in a bread box, while others clearly prefer to store it in the refrigerator, in plastic or paper bags. Since bread can spoil within a few hours of purchase, the refrigerator seems to be the best solution to slow down its decomposition process.

False! According to corporate nutrition expert Antoine Leclery, when bread is refrigerated, its starch molecules crystallize rapidly due to low temperatures, which quickly ends up drying it out or spoiling it under the effect of humidity. It would therefore be the best way to have moldy bread before its time. Therefore, in order for bread to be better preserved, it is recommended to store it at room temperature and not in the refrigerator.

How to store fresh bread?
If you plan to consume your bread for a long period of time, here are some tips to follow for long-term storage:

Avoid refrigeration
As we pointed out above, refrigerating bread does not help prolong its life, on the contrary, it accelerates the aging process. In fact, the refrigerator will tend to evaporate the moisture from the bread: it will become dry, stale and harder to chew.

Freezing bread
Frozen bread
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Frozen bread – Source: spm

To preserve bread for as long as possible, freezing bread is the most recommended solution. You can store whole loaves or individual slices in freezer bags for up to two months! Unlike the refrigerator, the freezer will keep bread moist. As a bonus, once defrosted and reheated, in the oven or toaster, it will retain its original appearance: its crust will be crispy and its interior subtly soft.

Can bread be refrozen?
Indeed, it is possible to do this, but you may notice that the taste has become a little bland. To avoid this inconvenience and preserve its flavor, it is best to refreeze bread within 48 hours at the latest.