Bread 'is fresh for longer' if you store it one way that's not in the freezer

Bread is a household essential, whether that's for toast in the morning, a filling sandwich at lunch, or alongside a hearty dish in the evening. That's precisely why it proves incredibly frustrating, even disheartening, when you grab for the loaf only to discover mould has begun developing.

Despite keeping bread in a cupboard, bread bin, fridge, or freezer, countless families battle to prevent it from becoming stale or mouldy. The storage method and even the variety you purchase can dramatically impact its longevity.

From preventing excessive dampness to selecting appropriate packaging, a specialist has revealed techniques to avoid discarding partially consumed loaves. It comes after a writer claimed ‘I tried butter from Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and big brands - and the winner is not Lurpak’.

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Sarah Taylor, food hygiene specialist at High Speed Training, said: "It's the age-old question, should you bin or keep bread with spots of mould?

"Mouldy bread is generally best thrown away, as the mould will likely have spread much further through the loaf than is actually visible." According to Sarah, one variety of bread surpasses all others in terms of maintaining freshness for extended periods. And it's not what you might expect, reports the Express.

She revealed: "Buying sliced bread is a good, cheaper option for keeping your bread fresh for longer, as mould takes longer to spread throughout the loaf."

However, it's not merely about the bread variety; storage methods prove equally crucial. Sarah explained: "To keep your bread fresh for longer, it's best to keep it covered, either in a bread bin or bread bag, and try to keep the packaging intact and covering as much of the bread as possible.

"You should also keep the loaf away from water, which can speed up the development of mould."

She also recommends freezing bread as an effective alternative for those who don't consume it quickly. "If you tend to go through your bread slowly, a good option is to freeze it," she advised.

"This keeps the loaf edible and prevents the spread of mould. To thaw the bread, simply use the defrost setting on your toaster to avoid a soggy slice."

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