Learn how to store sourdough bread so it stays fresh for longer. It’s simple, with our guide and bread storage tips!
Sourdough bread is one of the most delicious types of bread you can eat. It’s made with a sourdough starter, which gives it a unique flavor and texture.
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Storing Sourdough Bread
If you have a freshly baked or store bought loaf of sourdough, you’ll want to know how to keep it fresh for as long as possible.
In this guide, we will teach you how to store fresh sourdough bread so that you can enjoy it for days (or even weeks!) after baking it.
How long does Homemade bread stay fresh?
On average, homemade Artisan breads like sourdough will stay fresh for 3-5 days. Because homemade bread does not contain preservatives, it will not keep for as long as store-bought bread.
Keep in mind, as time passes, your fresh sourdough will become dry and dense. This can affect the overall taste and texture.
Staling and Drying
Staling and drying are two of the main causes of sourdough bread becoming hard or stale.
- Staling is when moisture leaves the bread, causing it to become hard.
- Drying is when the bread loses moisture due to exposure to air or heat, which can also cause it to become dry and hard.
How to Store Sourdough Bread for Maximum Freshness
Nothing tastes better than freshly baked homemade bread!!
The “rules” for storing sourdough bread are similar to that of any other homemade artisan bread. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Use a bread container.
Sourdough bread should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container such as a plastic bag or a breadbox, or wrap it in parchment.
Important:
Wait until the loaf is completely cool before wrapping!
- Store in a cool, dry location.
Avoid storing sourdough bread in hot conditions, which can cause it to dry out and quickly become stale.
It’s also important to avoid areas with a lot of moisture, which can lead to mold growth on your bread.
You will also need to keep it away from direct sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause your bread to spoil faster.
- Avoid exposing the cut side to air.
Another tip is to place the bread cut-side down on a wood cutting board. This helps prevent the bread from drying out and becoming stale.
How to Keep Bread Fresh
There are several different options for storing fresh bread, and they all work relatively well. Here are our recommendations for the best ways to store a loaf of sourdough bread:
paper bag
Keeping homemade sourdough bread in a paper bag allows the moisture to escape, while also hiding it from direct sunlight.
This storage method will keep your loaves of bread fresh for 2 to 3 days.
Linen bag
Using a cloth bag is another good bread storage option, as the material absorbs some of the moisture that naturally releases from the loaf.
Wrap loaves in a cloth bag, then place them in a cool, dry place. This should retain the freshness of sourdough bread for up to 5 days.
Important! To avoid mold growth, be sure to change the bag every 2 days.
a Bread box
Bread boxes are another excellent option for storing sourdough bread. A breadbox is designed specifically to prevent air from getting in.
This natural environment is key to a perfectly crispy crust and moist, tender crumb on your bread.
In a bread box, sourdough will stay fresh for up to 7 days.
airtight containers
If you don’t have a paper or cloth bag, storing sourdough in an airtight container is a good option.
Placing it in an airtight container will help retain moisture, which maximizes the freshness for up to 5 days. Just be sure the loaf is completely cool before storing it away.
Plastic Zip Top bag
An easy way to store bread is in a Ziploc (or other brands) plastic storage bag. This is our favorite method, because it will retain freshness for up to 4 days, and it’s much simpler than using a cloth bag.
Important! Be sure the bag is large enough to allow air to flow around the loaf. Bags that are too tight can encourage mold growth.
Beeswax Wraps
If you are looking for a more sustainable way to store your homemade sourdough bread, consider using reusable beeswax wraps.
This method is more eco-friendly than single-use plastic bags or containers.
Storing homemade bread in a beeswax wrap in a cool, dry place will help keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
Aluminum foil
If you wrap sourdough in aluminum foil, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 1 week. Be sure to avoid gaps in the foil; tightly cover the entire loaf.
Important!
Avoid leaving the foil on for too long, as this can cause condensation, which can lead to mold growth.
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Buy Now → Keeping sourdough bread in the fridge
Refrigeration can be especially helpful if you need storage for weeks at a time. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge. Under refrigeration, homemade bread will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Important!
Refrigerating bread does cause it to become denser and drier, so for the best flavor and consistency, sourdough is best eaten in the first 2 or 3 days.
Freezing homemade Bread
Freezing your sourdough is another great option for longer term storage.
Like any of the other bread storage methods, be sure the bread is completely cool before wrapping it in a freezer-safe storage bag or container.
When freezing sourdough bread, first wrap it in a layer of wax paper. Then, place the wrapped loaf into a freezer safe Ziploc bag.
Then, seal and label the bag with the date and store it in the freezer.
Frozen sourdough bread will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw the loaf at room temperature before consuming it.
Now that you know how to store homemade bread, the only thing left to do is to choose a sourdough recipe to make. Happy baking!!
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