Wrap it up

The first step to ensuring your loaf lasts the distance is to ensure it's well wrapped. Keep store bought bread in its original packaging, tightly closed with a tie. If you've made a loaf of fresh bread, or picked up a loaf of artisanal bread, wrap it securely in plastic wrap, then wrap the loaf in a clean tea towel to keep it at its best.

The Breadbox

During the 60s and 70s, the breadbox took pride of place on kitchen bench tops across the country, but is rarely found in today's kitchens. It's now time to start a revival of this classic, as these handy boxes are still the best place to keep your bread. Made from wood, metal or plastic, choose one with plenty of space and a securely closing door. Ensure you never over fill the breadbox as they rely on good air circulation to keep the bread at its prime, stop mould and prolong the life of your loaf.

Freeze it

If you live in a warm, humid area where mould thrives, the best place for your bread is in the freezer. This is also the solution for anyone unlikely to finish a whole loaf before the dreaded mould creeps in. The most important step is to ensure the bread is well sealed in an airtight bag before adding it to the freezer. Kept this way, bread will stay fresh for three months.

When you're ready to enjoy the bread, simply remove a slice, or the entire loaf, and thaw it at room temperature. You can then enjoy it as is, wrap it in foil and heat it in a gentle oven, or pop it in the toaster.

Keep it out of the fridge

Although it may seem like a good solution, avoid putting your bread in the fridge or you will speed up the process of it turning it stale and dry. In fact, one day in a standard fridge is equivalent to three days at room temperature.

Restoring crunch

If you pull your bread out of the breadbox only to discover it's lost its crunch, never fear. Crusty bread, rolls and buns can be quickly freshened up by wrapping them in foil and placing in a pre-heated 250C oven for up to ten minutes. Allow the bread to cool down in the foil and then enjoy within a few hours of heating.

Put practice into play and head over to our Bread recipes collection for more.