Expiration & Storage Tips
When does oat bread expire?
Oat bread, when stored properly, can last usually for around 4-7 days at room temperature. In a fridge, it can stay fresh for roughly 1-2 weeks. Do keep an eye on the 'use by' or 'best before' date printed on the bread packaging if you bought it from the store, as this will provide a guideline for its shelf life. Also, bear in mind that homemade oat bread may not last as long as the store-bought one, due to the absence of preservatives. If you freeze the bread, you can keep it for up to 3 months.
How do you tell if oat bread is bad?
To determine if oat bread has gone bad, check for any changes in smell, appearance, or texture. A sour or off odor, mold (often appearing as green, black, or white spots on the bread), and an unusually hard texture can all suggest that your loaf is past its prime. Never eat bread that shows signs of mold, even if you only see it on one slice, as the mold's roots can penetrate deeper into the loaf.
Tips for storing oat bread to extend shelf life
• Always store your loaf of oat bread in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Your kitchen counter or pantry are usually good spots.
• Never store bread in the refrigerator. Although it might seem like a good way to extend your bread's life, refrigeration can actually make it go stale faster due to the process of retrogradation.
• Consider using a bread box or airtight container to maintain your bread's quality.
• You can freeze oat bread to significantly extend its shelf life. Slice the bread before freezing it, then pull out and thaw only the slices you need.
• Use freezer-safe bags to store your oat bread in the freezer. Ensure you squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• To thaw frozen oat bread, you can simply leave it out at room temperature or pop a slice straight into your toaster.