Is Storing Bread in the Fridge a Smart Summer Move?

As summer unfolds in all its glory, leaving certain foods out can lead to quick spoilage under the sweltering heat. Moldy bread is a common issue these days, prompting some to store their loaves in the fridge. So, what's the best approach?

Bread has a short shelf life, lasting up to a week or often much less - in many cases, it hardens within 24-48 hours. Left at room temperature, bread molds quickly and shouldn’t be consumed. Thus, there’s a storage hack that keeps bread fresh for a longer time.

Dubbed the "Bread King," Paul Hollywood took to social media to share the best place to store bread. He posted a video detailing that "if you put your bread in the fridge, it will lose freshness three times faster because cooling draws out all the moisture from the loaf. I put it in a brown paper bag and leave it on the side."

Many find these insights surprising, as refrigerating bread in the summer is a common practice. Some commenters were shocked, suggesting this method might instead increase mold levels. "I’d rather have stale bread than moldy bread," one user remarked.

Experts propose a compromise. They suggest perforating holes in the bag, allowing for refrigeration. So, what to do? It’s simple. Before refrigerating, add holes to the bag to prevent moisture build-up, thus averting mold. Grab a pair of scissors, cut around the bag’s top, the back, and the bottom. Be careful not to overdo the holes, otherwise, the bag loses its effectiveness.