Where to store bread during heatwaves: Expert tips and common mistakes

Whether or not your bread stays mainly fresh depends on how well you store it. Throwing away bread is a significant issue, and you should do everything possible to limit it. That’s why it’s important to know the best place for bread. It may seem obvious, but mistakes happen.

The home kitchen operates differently during hot days. First, heavy and fried foods are not popular. Second, proper food storage becomes a major challenge. On hot days, many food products spoil faster, wilt, and lose their valuable properties. Should you store bread in the refrigerator?

Where to store bread so it doesn’t dry out quickly... The refrigerator seems like a better option in the summer than the breadbox. And it's not a bad line of thinking. Under "normal" conditions, the fridge is not recommended because low temperatures make the bread dry out faster, becoming hard and unpalatable. However, when the kitchen temperature is high, above 25 degrees Celsius, it is better to put the bread somewhere cool, such as the refrigerator.

During heatwaves, you can switch the breadbox for the refrigerator. Then the bread will definitely not mould and will retain its taste properties longer. But you must remember to prepare it properly, for example, by wrapping the loaf or rolls in aluminium foil or a paper towel. The refrigerator is especially effective on hot and humid days. There is one type of bread that can always be stored in the refrigerator: toast bread.

However, treat the refrigerator as an occasional place for bread. When summer days are bearable in terms of temperature and other seasons, it’s much better to keep it in the breadbox or in a linen or cotton bag. The worst choice is always a plastic bag. There is no airflow in it, which leads to moisture build-up. These are ideal conditions for mould to develop, which spreads quickly. Instead of plastic, it’s better to use paper bags, which allow for air circulation. The best temperature for bread is between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius and a dry place.

Breadbox or bag?

The breadbox is the most obvious place for bread. The most important thing is what it’s made of. The best are those made from natural materials, wooden or bamboo. Metal and ceramic options are also good. In small kitchens, there is often no space for a breadbox, so linen or cotton bags are ideal. They ensure proper moisture and prevent slices from drying out.