Expiration & Storage Tips
When does wheat bread expire?
Wheat bread typically lasts for about 4 to 7 days at room temperature if unopened. Once opened, it is best consumed within 2-3 days to avoid mold growth. The date printed on the package serves as a guideline but doesn't mean the bread will instantly become unsafe after this date. Extreme temperatures, moisture, and improper storage can shorten its lifespan. Moreover, if you plan on freezing your bread, it can last up to three months. A tip when freezing bread is to defrost only what you need to avoid unnecessary waste.
How do you tell if wheat bread is bad?
You can tell if wheat bread has gone bad primarily by its appearance. Mold often appears as green, white, or black fuzzy spots on the bread. It's also worth noting that mold can penetrate the bread's surface, so toss the whole loaf even if you just see mold on a single slice. Furthermore, the smell can indicate if the bread is off. Fresh bread has a slightly sweet and wheaty aroma, while a sour, foul, or stale smell means it’s time to throw it away. Lastly, watch out for an overly dry, hard, or crumbly texture, which may suggest that the bread is stale, especially if it's past the expiration date.
Tips for storing wheat bread to extend shelf life
• Keep the bread in its original packaging and seal tightly after use to maintain freshness. If you've made homemade bread, store it in a clean, airtight plastic bag.
• Ensure your bread is stored in a cool, dry place, ideally a bread box, kitchen cupboard or pantry away from direct heat and sunlight.
• To extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. Divide the loaf into usable portions before freezing to make it easier when you only need a few slices at a time.
• Avoid refrigerating bread as this can lead to faster staling due to the redistribution of moisture within the bread.