If you want to get really fancy, you can fry the bread in a bit of oil on the stove, then rub the bread with a raw garlic clove. All of them are very simple to make and taste incredible. . The freezer time shown is for best quality only - sourdough bread that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. This most commonly happens when someone leaves their starter in an empty oven to try to keep it warmer than it would be on the counter. This is not entirely as efficient as a cooling rack, but it had good results. Sourdough Bread Freshly baked sourdough bread can last 5-8 days at room temperature. I hope youll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you! If your sourdough bread has lost its fresh appearance, theres no need to panic. Sourdough bread will last for around 3 to 5 days if wrapped and stored correctly. In general, bread is good for seven days, or until mold appears. According to "sell by" dates, bread is good for three to five days after opening, but it can actually be consumed much longer after that as long as there is no mold growth. However, just like homemade sourdough bread, it is only considered fresh for 24 hours. If you are keeping bread in a warm moist room, often in summer, it will spoil after 3-4 days. It may even grow mold and become unsafe to eat, so its helpful to know how to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Just like when your sourdough starter goes moldy, mold on sourdough bread is green or white and fuzzy in nature. It doesn't matter if you store it on the counter or in the refrigerator, or even what kind of bread you buy whether it's sprouted multi-grain, sourdough, bagels, lavash, or tortillas in what seems like no time at all, you see the first signs of mold. I've put together a guide to the best way to store sourdough bread here. This can reduce the amount of nutrients in the bread. But its best to keep your bread far away from the refrigerator, as this will help your bread dry out faster. Grocery store loaves should be kept in their plastic loaf casing at room temperature, never in the fridge. Storing in a paper bag has a different effect on the crustiness of sourdough, than storing it in a plastic bag. Bread is one of the most popular foods around the world. You can. However, other breads like baguettes can become stale more quickly. To get the best results, youll want to wrap the loaf well in plastic wrap. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"2303a":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1},"3faf7":{"name":"Main Accent Dark","parent":"2303a"},"67e11":{"name":"Main Accent Light","parent":"2303a","lock":{"saturation":1,"lightness":1}}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"2303a":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)"},"3faf7":{"val":"rgb(35, 51, 0)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":79,"l":0.1,"s":1.08}},"67e11":{"val":"rgb(245, 240, 234)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":32,"l":0.94,"s":0.37}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"2303a":{"val":"rgb(55, 179, 233)","hsl":{"h":198,"s":0.8,"l":0.56,"a":1}},"3faf7":{"val":"rgb(2, 0, 52)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":242,"s":1,"l":0.1,"a":1}},"67e11":{"val":"rgb(235, 243, 246)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":196,"s":0.37,"l":0.94,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, How Long Does Sourdough Bread Last? 2. Moldy sourdough bread needs to be placed into the trash and not consumed under any circumstances. Bread can become stale if the bread is cut too much. Don't know. SD bread made as you directed, definitely lasts longer. This is because a cooling rack doesnt affect the temperature of the bread in any way, it simply lifts the bread up, reducing the contact surface, thus allowing the bread to cool down faster. Sourdough bread will typically survive a couple of days in the fridge. does sourdough bread go bad? To maximize the shelf-life, keep it in its original packaging or wrap it in foil and store it in a cool, dry place at room temperature. This will keep the bread fresh. In the fridge a bread will become moldy at a slower rate due to the temperature, that is true. If you take a break from feeding your starter you should store it in the fridge. During sourdough . Days 3 to 5 - sourdough is edible only after reheating or toasting. It's longer fermentation process gives it natural preservatives. For example if you live somewhere with higher humidity levels you should avoid storing your sourdough bread in a plastic bag or using plastic wrap as it will encourage early molding. Vitamin C 0%. Yes, to freeze: (1) Slice bread or leave loaf whole; (2) Wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place in heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze. This rest, known as an autolyse, allows the flour . The oven can also be used to make it crisp and crusty. How long does sourdough bread last? To get the longest shelf life out of your sourdough there are three things you can do: 1. Feed the starter with flour and water, then leave it at room temperature for 3-4 hours before storing it in the refrigerator till whenever it is needed. link to Storing Sourdough Starter in the Fridge - Beginners Guide, How Long Should I Let My Sourdough Bread Rest? At this feeding ratio, it takes about four to five hours for the levain to reach peak activity at 78-80F. You'll find even more ideas to use leftover sourdough bread up here. Fortunately, there are many other alternatives that work best, for storing your sourdough bread. Store the sourdough properly. Some common bread preservatives include calcium propionate, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sorbic acid. At this point the bread is still edible, but it definitely lost some of its appeal. Many of these ingredients contain fat which will soften the bread and give it a longer shelf life (so long as it's stored correctly). All you need to do is store it as a slice of bread or leave it whole. Bake the bread in the oven for 6-10 minutes. Calcium 2%. Magnesium 0%. First 24 hours In the first 24 hours the sourdough bread is at peak freshness. How Long Does Homemade Sourdough Bread Last? Autolyse. However, most conventional wheat bread is unhealthy. Usually around day 3 the crust will become very hard and be difficult to cut - but the bread can still be consumed, it may just need to be toasted or heated. It may just need a little moisture and heat before it will feel like the same loaf again. How Long Does Store Bought Sourdough Last? This depends on whether it's true sourdough bread made with wild yeast or whether it's commercially yeasted bread that's just had 'sourdough flavor' added. If you let the bread rest for too long some of its qualities will be lost and the crust will become slightly harder. Maintaining a sourdough starter is not an easy job, as you have to feed it and discard it daily. This will prevent moisture from accumulating and promoting mold. The clear winners for long-term shelf life are matzo bread and hardtack. Take a good look at your bread if youll find molds and then feel it to know if it is stale. When left in the fridge for long enough without being fed, your starter will develop an off-putting smell. Refrigerated dough for biscuits and rolls also eventually spoils because it contains oils that go rancid. You can also subscribe without commenting. While a thick and flexible crust will result in a yummy to the chewy crust. How To Keep Sourdough Bread Fresh. If you choose to freeze your sourdough bread then it can last for up to 3 months, but freshly bough sourdough bread can only remain edible for up to 5 to 7 days. This can be done by sealing it in an airtight container to prevent drying out and staling. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Any visible signs of mould, indicates that the bread has gone bad and is inedible. The only reason you would buy bread if it is close to the sell by date is because it is a convenient way of having lunch without a lot of preparation. How long do brioche buns last in the fridge, freezer, and at room temperature? This acid is a result of a longer fermentation time. Sourdough bread does not mold as quickly as regular bread because of the lactic acid bacteria it contains however due to it's lack of preservatives, sourdough will not stay as soft and fresh as regular store bought bread. These are all signs that your bread is getting ready to complete the circle of life and turn into something that would be better suited to feeding a compost heap than a human. How Many Slices in a 12, 14, 16 and 18 Inch Pizza? If you're not, you can freeze the bread. This is evidence that the yeast is consuming nutrients and releasing gas. The answer is yes! Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Recently, there seems to be a renewed interest in sourdough bread, with hundreds of people . It may be a dusty white, orange, or pink color which is a very bad kind. Sourdough bread is bread that needs to be baked fresh daily for the best enjoyment! Here are my 5 tips on how to make your sourdough bread last longer: One thing that I didnt mention in the list above is keeping the bread in the fridge, which is something a lot of people do in order to make their bread last longer. The staling process for sourdough bread refers to the process of the deterioration of the eating quality. If baking from frozen doesnt work for whatever reason, then just leave your loaf out at room temperature until soft enough to slice easily again. Beyond that, it won't go bad necessarily, it will just become more acidic as time goes on (especially in warm weather). Homemade bread at room temperature typically lasts three days, and the shelf life depends on the ingredients used. Vitamin B6 0%. And water for three days before adding it to your bread dough. All you need to do is place it on foil and put it in an oven that has been preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, bread can become stale in less than a day when wrapped. Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. Store the sourdough properly. How quickly the bread begins to mold depends on your environment. If it is store-bought that contains additives, it can last up to 7 days, maybe longer. When ready to use, it should be reactivated a few days after baking by feeding it daily with flour. Required fields are marked *, $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["bc5febc8-d5ba-46ec-b724-5169318de459"]); }), $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["c12fb0da-b0c9-4646-99ff-3ab1d62ba6f8"]); }), $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["1a65b16e-9dd2-417c-b8f4-8ce3a5107863"]); }). It may also smell bad too, but not always. Leave it there for about 7 to 10 minutes. If you want to reduce food waste, you may be wondering how to avoid discarding old bread. The first week is when the bread is still "fresh" but the yeast is beginning to go stale. Required fields are marked, Name * * * * * * * * * * * * *, Email * * * * * * * * * * * * *. On average sourdough bread can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bread can also be eaten by humans and animals, which can help prolong the shelf life of the bread. As the bread gets stale, it starts to become hard and is no longer suitable for consumption. Breads shelf life largely depends on its ingredients and the storage method. Because there are no preservatives, you will get the most out of that loaf in the first four days. 3. Store it on the counter in an air-tight container. How to tell if sourdough bread is bad or spoiled? Levain vs Starter: Whats the Difference? Bread is more likely to spoil if stored in warm, moist environments. Once the bread is ready, it can be stored in airtight containers for several weeks. Here are some yummy ideas to use up stale or leftover sourdough bread that can no longer be eaten fresh. So overall I wouldnt recommend you to put your sourdough bread in the fridge. You can do this with whole loaves, half loaves, or even slices. Storing it in the refrigerator overnight aids and improves the proofing which will eventually result in great flavor and digestibility. To prevent mold, it should be kept sealed at room temperature or colder. This ratio corresponds to 20% ripe starter carryover, 100% water, and 100% flour (a mix of whole grain rye and white flour) at each feeding. This magic all starts with your sourdough starter - whether it's your own sourdough starter you've made or one you've purchased. Then, put it on high for 10 seconds. Frozen bread may last up to 6 months. Yes, sourdough bread can be frozen. Sourdough bread should ideally not be refrigerated, as the bread will dry out and become stale faster than at room temperature. The Automatic/Electric French Press Does it Exist? Your email address will not be published. "Bread can last around five to seven days past its expiry date," says Megan Wong, RD, a registered dietitian working with AlgaeCal. This article examines the health impact of bread. Pantry when stored properly up to 2.5 years. Because there are no preservatives, you will get the most out of that loaf in the first four days. It goes from perfect to slightly stale if it sits around longer than this. "But be on the lookout for mold, especially if stored in a moist environment. Properly stored, packaged raisin bread will last for about 5 to 7 days at normal room . Sourdough bread is more healthy than regular wholewheat bread because it is easily digestible and nutritious. Stuffing, usually a bread crumb type mixture placed inside or alongside poultry, can include all types of ingredients. Opened/Unopened Pantry Refrigerator Freezer; Past Printed Date: Past Printed Date: Past Printed Date: Bakery Bread lasts for: 2-3 Days: Not Recommended: 6 Months: Packaged Bagels (Soft) last for 5-7 Days Now, if youre just seeing one pea-sized spot of mold, you are usually ok to cut off a chunk of bread around that area and consume or freeze the rest. Before I bought a cooling rack I used to put two cups upside down on the table and place the loaf on top of them. You can usually see fuzzy, green spots on the surface of bread, so its easy to tell when its time to toss. So, how long does bread last after the expiration date? So there is no way to mistake it for the normal sourdough bread smell. You can eat sourdough bread. Bread also becomes stale by losing its nutrients, which can be caused by enzyme degradation. Once the bread reaches this stage you can also grind it up in a food processor or blender until its a bread crumb consistency. In order to maximize the shelf life of sourdough bread, proper storage methods should be adhered to. All rights reserved. The interesting thing to note is the that staling process begins as soon as the sourdough bread is removed from the oven. Feed with 113g (1/2 cup) water and 113g (1 scant cup) flour. But there is a solution to it, and that is keeping it in the fridge. It will also become very hard, even more, hard than stale bread should be. Whether you make your own bread or grab a loaf from the supermarket, everyone should know when to keep and when to toss old bread. Sourdough bread tends to be less perishable than other types of bread. If you must refrigerate sourdough bread (eg, due to a lack of pantry storage space or very hot, humid room conditions), the bread will typically last for only about 2-3 days before getting stale. Modified: Jan 15, 2023 by The Pantry Mama This post may contain affiliate links. The best way is to smell and look at the bread: discard any bread that has an off smell or appearance; if mold appears, discard the entire loaf. Whether you are enjoying a slice with friends or indulging in a whole pie, one Storing Sourdough Starter in the Fridge - Beginners Guide. One way to make the bread more enjoyable at this point is to toast it. 2. Almost without fail, another member of the household will come by and turn the oven on, effectively cooking the starter. But based on what most people can do at home without any special equipment, 3 months is the average. On average, sourdough bread will last for 5 days, but sometimes it can be good for even longer. Days 2 to 3 After 24 hours the exterior of the bread will lose its crispiness and become chewy, the interior will be less soft. We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases atno extra charge to you. It lasts longer than the normal store-bought bread due to the use of sourdough culture when baking. After that, its time to throw it out. If it happens to be a loaf cut in half, then cover the exposed area with a piece of foil, so that they dont become overly dry while baking. Frozen slices can be toasted as they are, without defrosting. If you keep your sourdough bread out in the open it will last for 2 days, but if you store it in a sealed container and keep it at room temperature it will last for up to 5 days. Curious to know the shelf life of your bread? To prevent food waste, try creative ways to use up your old loaves such as making bread pudding or homemade croutons before their best-by date. You just have to feed it regularly again and it will come back to life. Whether you choose to freeze it so that it is still available for you to come back to in several weeks, or prefer to store it in a container to eat within 5 days, as long as there is no signs of molding on your loaf, youre good to go! Fermented dough helps to improve the quality of the finished product. So lets see how big the change will be. What to do with bread once you notice mold on it is a common household dilemma. When the bread gets REALLY dry, it's a prime candidate for French toast. If properly stored, it will last longer than regular store-bought white bread because of its ingredients and its high acidity. A sourdough starter is alive and needs to be fed on a regular basis to stay strong, happy, and ready to leaven bread. The lactic acid found in sourdough slows down the staling process, while the acidity of the bread inhibits mold growth and bacterial action, making it possible for them to last longer although not indefinitely. On the other hand, dried bread products, such as breadcrumbs or crackers, usually stay safe the longest because mold needs moisture to grow. Sourdough bread has a very unique smell that is hard to mistake, and while it might not be everybodys favorite smell, you definitely cant call it a bad smell. But even so, its a lot better than cutting the bread too soon. Freezer - 3 to 4 months. Leaving it whole will mean youll need it much later on. They can be diced and kept in the freezer to be used later. When stored properly in an enclosed container 5 to 10 years. Bake at 325 F until golden brown, for about 45 minutes depending on how big your dish is, and serve hot right away while still warm! Stuffing lasts 6 months beyond its "best by" date if it is stored properly. If you need a loaf quickly, spritz lightly with water and toss it in a 325 F oven for between 20-30 minutes. Copyright My Daily Sourdough Bread 2023. It takes a lot of time to make it, and not everybody has enough time to make a new loaf every day. You should not throw out food that is just slightly past its sell by date, as this is not considered safe to eat. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! This article tells you how. Proper sealing and storage, as well as using the refrigerator or freezer when needed, can help prevent mold and increase shelf life. It's a good idea to allow your sourdough to cool completely before wrapping it, cutting it or placing it in any type of container. This happens when it is going bad. Depending on the types of bread you are storing, you may like to place your sourdough into a plastic bag, brown paper bag or even a bread box. Not ideal for sweet recipes. The exterior is crispy, the interior soft, and it will have the specific taste and smell of a freshly baked loaf. Sourdough freezes beautifully and will thaw quickly on the counter. And sourdough can last 24 hours at room temperature. Try using your stale bread to make some delicious garlic bread. Moldy bread may produce mycotoxins, which are invisible poisons that are unsafe to eat. Bread is generally good for about 5-7 days after its sell by date. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This will only work if the bread is extremely dry and you want to make sure your food processor or blender is up to the task. When it comes to going through your stash of groceries and other items, ignore expiration dates and instead check out how to know if your milk, eggs and more have gone bad. Sourdough bread is bread that needs to be baked fresh daily for the best enjoyment! It will still mold eventually, but you have a better shot at a long shelf life with sourdough than some other types of bread. If you were able to read everything carefully I guess you will know the answers to the above question. Then, place the bread pan in the freezer and let the dough freeze for about 10 hours. In 2017, Savannah and her partner sold everything that wouldn't fit in their suburban and traveled the US where she got a job cooking in each city they stayed in. This recipe makes a great lunch or snack that can be eaten cold on a hot summers day, or as a quick mid-evening snack! Store-bought sourdough will often contain preservatives that prohibit mold and keep the loaf softer for longer than homemade sourdough. Freshly baked sourdough should be stored at room temperature and consumed within 5 days. We also have to clarify whether "regular" bread is homemade yeasted bread or commercial store bought bread that has added improvers and preservatives. To bring your starter back to life, all you need to do is pour off the liquid (hooch) and discard about 2/3rds of your starter. But to enjoy sourdough at its best, it's recommended to consume it within 24 hours. Oh my, there are many. This is one you might have never heard about. Try running your entire loaf of bread under the tap, careful not to soak the sides (you can always pat them dry afterwards). Three reasons why you should try making these fluffy sourdough doughnuts! Wondering how long does sourdough bread last? To maximize the shelf life of homemade sourdough bread, cool thoroughly before storing and place in plastic storage bag or breadbox, or wrap in foil and store at room temperature. After a while the sourdough will lose some of its freshness, taste, and texture. In the event your bread has expired, there is nothing to do but eat it. I know all the tricks to getting the most out of that loaf. Crispbread, french toast and bread, and butter pudding can be made from stale sourdough bread. Summary: Sourdough bread resists mold, unlike conventionally leavened bread. To get a soft crust, the crust of the bread must be thin and flexible. TODAY, NAAN recipe: the fluffiest and tenderest texture A24.com. Do not store crusty bread in a plastic bag as this method of storage will absorb its moisture, thereby making it softer. Sourdough feed starter can last 3 to 4 hours at room temperature. Sourdough bread can last for up to four months in the freezer. But will this work? The only way that you can make the bread more pleasant to eat, if its completely stale, is to toast it. Sourdough bread will last for around 3 to 5 days if wrapped and stored correctly. Or if you want you can leave it in the toaster for a few more minutes and toast it. How long does rosehip oil last in the fridge, freezer, and at room temperature? If you want to know more about me and the whole story behind this website, click on the button bellow. Potatoes to the importance: Grandmas recipe Easy Cooking, Copycat Chick-fil-A's Watermelon Mint Lemonade Recipe Parade Magazine, Quench your thirst and take care of your figure with this recipe for a green fruit vampire! Hence, if you got stale bread, do not throw it out. Whole loaves stay fresher for longer. Or dried out so much that its only possible use now is to line your garden bed. To maximize the shelf life of bakery-bought sourdough bread, keep in original packaging and store at room temperature. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. Similar to reheating frozen bread, a stale loaf needs a little moisture and heat for it to regain its texture and taste like new again. It is advisable not to refresh bread more than once. However, sourdough starters can be stored in the refrigerator. If your sourdough bread does eventually become stale, then dont worry, there are many ways to make some delicious use of your sourdough bread, once its passed its freshness. First things first, allow the bread to cool off completely after baking it. The bread may be edible, but it may not be safe to eat. The amount of time any kind of food can spend in the freezer depends on how well its sealed. So if you manage to completely suck out the air from the bag containing the bread you could store it for up to a year or more. White flour containing preservatives can last as long as a year if the container is unopened. Think about your week ahead and determine if you are likely to eat the whole loaf of sourdough within 5-7 days. Some molds produce mycotoxins, which are poisons that can be dangerous to eat or inhale. Sourdough bread doesnt mold fast in fact, it is the most lasting bun. Hi, I'm Kate! It is not something that you would want to be carrying around with you in your bag. Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. Ranging on how to tell if it is bad, and how to store it to make it last longer. Vitamin A 1%. Unlike most bread that contain commercial baker's yeast, this bread uses 'wild yeast' and lactic acid bacteria to help the dough rise. When needed, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or leave at room temperature for some time. As long as the sourdough bread . Note that, it shouldnt be refrigerated because storing bread in a refrigerator would make it stale quickly. Make homemade croutons, crackers, bread pudding, or breadcrumbs to use up bread before its best-by date. Store-bought sourdough can be a fabulous thing. Stale bread is bread that is past its sell by date. No, sourdough bread contains a high-level of acidity which prohibits mold growth. A week after the first week, the yeast will be fully active again and the bread will begin to go stale. -Gastrolab | passion for cooking, Classic New Orleans-style muffuletta sandwich: Get the recipe! Josh says. but most sourdough items can be baked first. Pantry - 7 to 10 days. When Im not baking sourdough, I love to hang out with my three boys on our farm, tend to my jungle of indoor plants and drink good coffee. How long does a loaf of sourdough bread last in the freezer? Pita, Sourdough, Ezekiel, Naan, and More, 10 Healthy Ways to Replace Conventional Wheat Bread, 15 Bread Recipes That Are Low-Carb and Gluten-Free, Why Ezekiel Bread Is the Healthiest Bread You Can Eat. She currently runs her own cottage bakery and teaches cooking classes in Northern Colorado. Sourdough can last 5 to 6 days before going stale and will last for another 1-6 days before it becomes moldy. Wheat flour can sit on the shelf up to six months if unopened. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Im the face behind The Pantry Mama and I want to help you bake delicious sourdough bread, no matter what your schedule. Feeding means adding a bit more flour and water. As tasty and as healthy as sourdough bread is, there is just one problem with it. Sourdough bread will only last 2-3 days in this condition. Hi! This article explains how long bread typically lasts, how to tell whether its safe to eat, and how to increase its shelf life. Not as fresh but no mold after a month on the counter in a bag. Sourdough bread is a magical loaf, that tastes impeccable. As we mentioned before, there are a few chemical reactions which are taking place which leads the bread to deteriorate. Mold tends to grow a little further than is visible to the human eye so be sure to remove an area three-times the size of the visible mold. This is gotten when the dough is in a sourdough culture i.e fermented dough using lactic acid and yeast. The answer is yes! The general rule of thumb to follow is that the bread is good until it molds. Required fields are marked *. Here is our full, step-by-step guide to making a sourdough starter from scratch: Mix equal weights flour and water in a clean plastic container that is at least 1 quart in volume. Lets dive in. It may not mold in this time, but it would be inedible after this amount of time (unless it's been frozen). The inside wont be as soft and as tasty, the difference in texture is much more noticeable than the change in taste. (+Pictures), How to Freeze Sourdough Bread Without Losing Taste or Texture, Letting the bread rest enough after talking it out of the oven, Storing the bread in a sealable plastic container, Place the tray in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, Take out the slices and place them in a plastic bag. Simply blend them in a food processor, until theyve reached the perfect crumbled consistency. Pour this mixture into individual bowls or ramekins then cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating overnight so all liquids can be absorbed by the bread; this is what makes it so moist when baked later on. Stale bread is usually soft and somewhat moldy. I recommend putting it in a Ziploc bag after its wrapped for extra insulation.