Warburtons warns bread goes stale quicker if kept in one key location
Warburtons warns bread goes stale quicker if kept in one key location
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Famous and beloved British baking brand Warburtons has shared expert advice on how to keep bread fresher for longer, revealing the biggest threat to its shelf life. When shopping for groceries, many people instinctively search for products with the latest expiry dates, ensuring they get the freshest items available. This is especially true for bread and bakery products, as consumers often reach for the loaf with the longest time available in an attempt to make it last. Although some items are recommended to be stored into the fridge to optimise freshness, others are better left stored in a cupboard at room temperature.
This, according to Warburtons, is the case for all bakery products. Jill Charlton, head of nutrition at Warburtons, has provided a simple yet effective trick to ensure you pick the best loaf from supermarket shelves. He explained: “Warburtons always advises checking the Best Before date, which appears on a yellow sticker on wax-wrapped bread or, if in a bag, on the plastic necktie. Bread can still be eaten after the Best Before date, although it may not be at its best quality. Consumers should always check for any mould before consuming.”.
Jill Charlton also warned against using the common ‘squeeze test’ to check for freshness, as pressing too hard can damage the bread, making it less enjoyable to eat. This is also because pressing on the bread doesn't determine the freshness of the bread and also damages the presentation of the packaging. One of the biggest mistakes people make is storing bread at warm room temperatures. Heat speeds up the process of spoilage, causing bread to go stale or develop mould much faster. This can lead to unnecessary food waste, especially if you don’t consume the loaf quickly. Therefore, the best way to keep bread as fresh as possible is to store it at room temperature in a part of the kitchen that isn't too hot or too dry.
Warburtons advises against refrigerating bread, as cold temperatures cause it to stale more rapidly. Instead, to extend its shelf life, the best option is to freeze it. Freezing bread not only helps to preserve its freshness but also reduces food waste. However, to maintain the best quality, Warburtons recommends setting the freezer temperature to -18°C and storing bread for no longer than three months. Once defrosted, it should be consumed as soon as possible for the best taste and texture.
