Fresh bread, crispy rolls, or perfectly baked baguettes will ensure that your breakfast tastes delicious. But not everyone has the time and desire to run to a nearby grocery store early in the morning to buy freshly baked bread.
So if you want your bread to stay fresh for much longer, you need to consider proper storage. And a bread box surely is the way to go!
The selection of bread boxes on the market is wide, thanks to which you can easily find a model that will fit well into your kitchen décor. Such a bread container will allow you to keep everything tidy on the kitchen counter, and at the same time, extend the freshness of your bread.
But which bread box to choose and what to look for when buying it? And should you use a bread box at all? It’s not as easy as you think it is.
Keep reading as I answer some inquisitive questions you might have.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Bread Box In Your Kitchen?
Why is it worth having a bread box? At least for a few reasons!
First of all, this container will ensure the freshness and crunchiness of your bread for longer, and protect it from drying out and going stale too quickly.
Even though storing bread in an airtight plastic grocery bag might be convenient, it is not a great solution. The plastic is porous so it retains moisture which leads to mold developing on the bread. What’s more, the bread will soon become rubbery and its taste will not be optimal, it will not taste as if you have just bought it.
Also, having a bread box is an opportunity to better organize the space in the kitchen. Everything that is organized and has its place, looks better!
Finally, you need to keep in mind the aesthetic value. The bread box may become a nice and interesting element of your kitchen décor! Stores offer a variety of bread boxes so it’s possible to find a rustic, retro, or chic bread box that will match a modern interior.
Do Bread Boxes Prevent Bread From Molding?
Are you wondering how to store your bread so that it doesn’t go moldy in a short period of time?
Make sure to provide your bread, and bread box, with suitable conditions, that is, dry surroundings and room temperature of preferably around 64 to 72°F. This is the best environment in which the bread will not go moldy too soon.
As mentioned before, it is recommended not to wrap and store bread in a plastic bag or aluminum foil as this packaging does not allow for adequate air circulation and leads to the development of harmful mold. This will expose the bread to too much moisture, which will deprive the crust of crispiness and cause molding faster.
Bread boxes have tiny holes in them that allow a small amount of air to circulate, preventing the bread from molding.
But if you’re still concerned about mold in the bread box, it’s a good idea to place a slice of bread with your loaf inside. The slice will have more surface area, which will cause it to attract water and this in turn will help control the moisture level in the box.
To stop the growth of mold inside the bread box, wash it with water and a little vinegar.
How To Store Bread In The Bread Box So It Stays Fresh For Longer?
The bread box is definitely the best solution to store bread in the kitchen. A great place for bread is a container made of wood, steel, or ceramics. Make sure, however, that it has small openings that provide air circulation.
It’s ideal that your bread box is kept in a place far from heat sources, such as the oven, stove, or radiator. Also, avoid keeping it close to the window as the rays of the sun can heat the box and thus accelerate the staleness of the bread.
Moreover, don’t forget to regularly wash the bread box with mild detergent to remove the dirt accumulated in the inner part.
The best way to store bread inside the box is to place a fresh and uncut loaf loosely or in a linen bag to ensure airflow.
Small bread with seeds on the crust, such as rye rolls with seeds or bran rolls, can be additionally kept in a paper bag.
On the other hand, bread with higher fat content, such as butter buns, can stain the bottom of the box, so it’s better to put a linen cloth or a piece of foil under them.
Challah, yeast rolls with raisins, or croissants are a type of pastries that dry out quickly, which is why you should store them for a short time only and preferably in a paper bag as well.
Which Bread Box Material Is The Healthiest?
Since not all containers have a positive effect on bread, when choosing a bread box, it’s worth paying attention to the material from which it is made.
The material has a major impact not only on the look of the bread box, but can also affect the quality and freshness of stored bread.
Each material has its pros and cons, so it is important to remember that when making a purchase.
You can choose from:
• Wooden or bamboo bread box
This is by far the best choice for bread. If you want to buy the healthiest bread box that keeps the content fresh, choose a model that’s made of natural materials like wood or bamboo.
It will ensure the right humidity and temperature, thanks to which the bread does not dry out and does not mold.
• Ceramic bread box
A ceramic bread box is also considered safe because the material does not come into a reaction with the bread ingredients so it will not change the taste of your bread.
• Metal bread box
A bread container made of metal, for example steel, is also considered safe for our health as it does not promote excessive moisture.
Although this also depends on the method of protecting the metal against moisture, most often than not, non-toxic powder-coated paint is used.
However, remember not to keep it close to a heat source as it understandably heats up quickly.
On the other hand, plastic bread boxes should be avoided at all costs. A plastic bread box does not provide adequate air circulation, as a result of which the bread goes bad much faster.
Besides, it contains harmful Bisphenol A (BPA) that’s been shown to have adverse effects on human health.
How To Choose The Bread Box Size?
The correct size of a bread box is also something you should think about. A small or a large one – which is best?
It’s important to adjust the size of the bread box to the size of your family and the average consumption of bread in your household.
In addition, you should also consider in advance where you will place the container and, obviously, pre-estimate what maximum dimensions of the bread box are even possible in your kitchen.
If a large model is not a necessity in your household, don’t go overboard with the size. Keep in mind that a large bread box will take up a lot of space, and that actually means that the working space on your kitchen counter is going to be significantly reduced.
That’s why it’s worth thinking about the amount of bread you usually put in – maybe a small bread box will be enough?
Corner bread boxes are an interesting solution. They take up relatively little space, even if they are quite capacious.
On A Final Note,
A bread box is a great way to store bread and an exciting way to add style to your kitchen décor.
First of all, you need to pay attention to what the product is made of, as it affects how long your bread will stay fresh.
Remember that a high price does not always translates to the bread box being a better, healthier option. We often pay just for an interesting design.