Bread is part of many people’s eating habits. It is eaten at breakfast, for children’s snacks, to accompany certain dishes and even during aperitifs. When you live alone or with two people, it is not always easy to eat a whole baguette and, moreover, you don’t often want to queue up at the baker’s. So, to avoid any waste and to always have bread available, freezing may be the best solution. However, if you decide to freeze bread, there are some tips and rules to follow
USE A SUITABLE CONTAINER
Don’t put your bread directly in the freezer because it can absorb all the odours from other foods. Wrap your bread in plastic wrap, in a freezer bag or in an airtight box specially designed for freezing.
FREEZE BREAD AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
A very important rule when freezing bread is that it should not be warm or hot before being put in the freezer. Make sure the bread is at room temperature.
NEVER REFREEZE THAWED BREAD
Sometimes you thaw bread and realize that you didn’t need it after all. If this happens to you, don’t even think about putting your thawed bread back in the freezer! Indeed, this practice may seem trivial but it is the cause of food poisoning due to the proliferation of bacteria. In addition, successive freezing alters the taste and texture of the bread. Instead, consider recycling your bread by putting it in the oven to make crackers or breadcrumbs.
SLICE YOUR BREAD BEFORE FREEZING IT
To avoid the situation described above, we recommend that you slice your bread before freezing it. This way, you can use it as needed at any time of the day.
DON’T KEEP YOUR BREAD FROZEN FOR TOO LONG
It is advisable not to keep bread in the freezer for too long. Although there is no specific expiration date, it is recommended not to keep your bread in the freezer for more than 4 months. After this period, you will notice a change in taste and texture.
Also, remember to eat your thawed bread as soon as possible. Remember, it has had a long journey and can’t wait to get into your mouth!
HOW TO THAW YOUR BREAD?
There are three ways to defrost bread. It’s up to you to choose according to your preference and the time you have available.
Natural thawing
To thaw bread naturally, remove it from the freezer about 30 to 45 minutes before mealtime. Remember to remove it from the plastic wrap, freezer bag or airtight box. Then, place it on a bread board and cover it with a cloth. You can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes.
Defrosting in the microwave
Put your bread on a plate and place it in the microwave with a glass of water next to it, then heat it on maximum power for 15 to 30 seconds depending on the thickness of the bread. This method will keep your bread tender longer after it has been in the microwave.
Defrosting in the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200° and then place your bread on the rack or on a tray for 10 to 15 minutes. Remember to defrost your bread before placing it in the oven.
