Fresh, still warm bread is a real treat for our palates. But we don’t always have time to buy more and more bread every day, so we often resort to older bread. Sometimes, however, we end up having to throw some of the bread away because it is either mouldy or very hard. So what to do when the bread is coming to the end of its life? Discover ways to freshen up baked goods and make them a delicious treat again.
Storage bread properly
To keep bread fresh for as long as possible, you need to store it in the right conditions. If you often leave it on the kitchen counter or without its packaging, it’s clear that it will set quickly. Store bread and rolls in a dry place at room temperature, preferably in a bread bin made of:
- wood
- Metal
- Ceramic
- Plastic
Wipe the inside of the extra with a cloth dipped in vinegar and leave open to dry. This will protect the bread pan from mold and the bread from spoiling. Instead of plastic bags, it’s worth putting the bread in a cotton bag, which will allow it to breathe and not contribute to mould. Definitely do not put bread in the fridge. However, excess can be frozen or thawed at any time. However, if the pastry is in a state where it needs a little freshening, try the following methods.
Microwave
You get up in the morning and get ready for breakfast, but the rolls turn out to be old. You don’t have time to head to the bakery for fresh ones, so the microwave comes to the rescue. Wrap the rolls with a slightly soaked paper towel or brush them with milk. Place in the microwave, set on the highest power setting and turn on for just 10 seconds. The pastries will be much fresher when removed.
Oven
If you have some time, you can also use a conventional oven. With this method, the tough bread should regain its flavor and crispy crust. Moisten it with water, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 150 degrees. The bread should be toasted in about 15 minutes. The time depends on the size of the product. For example, a bun only needs 5 minutes. You can also put a container filled with water in the oven. The steam from the water will penetrate the bread and refresh it. But it takes longer, about 1 – 1,5. The oven should be turned off during this process, just let the water heat up to let the steam come out.
Sliced Pastry
You can get sliced pastries fresh again by using apples or celery stalks. Prepare an airtight food container and place the pastries in it with pieces of peeled apple or two stalks of celery. Place in the refrigerator overnight and the bread should be fresh again in the morning.