Sweet Bread

If unopened, sweet bread bought from the store generally has a shelf life of 5 to 7 days beyond the date printed on the package, which is the 'sell-by' date rather than an expiration date. Once opened, it should be consumed within 2 to 3 days. Sweet bread that is homemade typically has a shorter life and should be consumed within 2 days, unless it's refrigerated. Refrigerated sweet bread, either store-bought or homemade, extends the shelf life to about a week. If frozen, sweet bread can last up to 3 months.

There are a few telltale signs that indicate whether your sweet bread has gone bad. The most obvious is the presence of mold. This can appear as green, black, or white spots on the bread. Another is a stale, sour or off smell. The texture of the bread may also change, becoming overly hard or dry to the touch. If the bread has mold or an off smell or texture, it's time to toss it.

• Keep your sweet bread in a cool dry place. Exposure to heat and moisture can accelerate the growth of mold. • If you're planning to store the bread for more than a few days, consider wrapping it in a plastic bag or aluminum foil and refrigerating it to extend its shelf life. This will help to retard mold growth and maintain freshness. • For longer-term storage, consider freezing. Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. Never refrigerate bread straight from the freezer. Instead, let it thaw at room temperature or defrost it in the microwave on a low power setting. • Always check your bread before serving or consuming, even if it's been stored in the fridge or freezer. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!