How to store fresh bread

We’re often asked the best way to store our fresh bread to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

The shelf life of our preservative-free loaves may be up to three days, but if you store it well, you may be able extend this.

Here are our bakers’ tips:

Store it in paper

The best way to keep bread fresh is in the paper.

Encasing it in plastic may seem like a good idea, but it stops the bread breathing and traps moisture, encouraging mould.

Keep it away from heat

Any kitchen appliances, like ovens or dishwashers, give off heat and hot air speeds up the aging process of your bread.

Use a bread bin

Bread bins not only add to your kitchen décor, but they effectively let out air, all while keeping pests away from your bread.

Avoid the fridge

The fridge can cause bread to dry out.

Freeze it

The best way to prolong the life of your bread is to freeze it. Slicing it up or cutting it into manageable chunks, depending on how you plan to use it, allows you to save portions for future use.

In a freezer it is best to store your bread in plastic. Make sure you get a tight seal.

Remove the plastic when defrosting, so any trapped, defrosting moisture doesn’t go onto your bread.

Buy your bread daily

Do as the French do and buy your bread daily. Then use the leftovers to make other dishes, for example bread and butter pudding, the Italian dish panzanella or croutons for salads. These can be eaten or frozen on the day they are made for future use.