How to store Sourdough bread — The Spent Goods Company (2024)

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How to store Sourdough bread — The Spent Goods Company? ›

Keep sourdough bread in a cool, dry area. To maximize the shelf life, keep in original packaging or linen based bread bag and store at room temperature.

So, with this in mind, I always recommend storing your freshly-baked sourdough loaf in a cotton bread bag or simply wrap it in a cotton tea towel to allow the bread to 'breathe'. Then, leave your bread in a cool place, so it can maintain normal moisture levels without encouraging bacteria and mould to grow.

Sourdough storage: the first two days

If you haven't yet cut into your sourdough loaf, store it in a closed paper bag or wrapped in a tea towel. This helps it to avoid drying out too fast, while also allowing air to circulate. Once you've sliced into it, leave your loaf cut-side down and uncovered on a breadboard.

I'll share my tips on the best way to store sourdough and a plan on the best way to eat it too. Sourdough bread will keep well for up to 3-5 days at a moderate room temperature of 18-20°C or 64-68°F. The warmer and more humid the conditions become, the more chance the sourdough has of spoiling.

The best container to keep bread in is one that provides airtight protection against moisture and air exposure. Wesco's bread bins are the best choice because of their level of quality and their stylish designs. If you're looking for the perfect bread storage solution, explore Wesco's Bread Bins Collection.

To maximize the shelf life, keep in original packaging or linen based bread bag and store at room temperature. How long does sourdough bread last in the fridge? Sourdough bread should ideally not be refrigerated, as the bread will dry out and become stale faster than at room temperature.

Freshly baked sourdough can be left out on the countertop for a day or two before using any of the rest of the methods in this guide. After cutting into the loaf, the crucial step is to ensure you leave it cut side down on your breadboard or chopping board.

the temperature you're leaving your dough at - I recommend not leaving your dough out overnight if the room temperature in your home is more than 21C (69.8F). If your room temp is higher than this, you'd need to reduce the starter amount further or try to find a cooler spot.

Excess heat and moisture creates mold, and too much air creates stale bread. So yes: a cool dry spot such as a pantry shelf works. I just leave my bread on the counter. However, fresh bread can in fact be stored in the fridge, contrary to what you might've read online (I never used to recommend this myself!).

Can I store sourdough bread in a ziplock bag? ›

Also, never store your sourdough in a plastic bag.

It's pretty easy to tell when sourdough bread has gone bad because it will be covered in visible signs of mold growth and will feel hard both inside and out. It may also smell bad too, but not always. Once it's past the fresh stage (first 24 hours) you will notice some deterioration in crust and crumb.

Bread boxes are your friends

They have small holes in them, which allow just a little air to circulate, keeping bread from molding. If you have pest concerns and prefer to keep bread in an airtight container, try tossing in a slice of bread with your loaf.

Common preservatives include salts, sugars, gelatin and vinegars; which are used to prevent bacteria growth. Additives, such as nisin and trisodium phosphate, may also be used to help preserve foods. Another type of food additive that helps with shelf stability, antioxidants, help to decrease oxidation in foods.

Propionic acid, as well as its salt, are the most widely used chemical preservatives in bread [7]. It helps prevent mold deterioration and bread ropiness that occurs due to B. subtilis.

Wrapping bread in foil works, too, as it is airtight. If you have round bread with a crispy crust like a sourdough boule, you don't have to wrap it at all. Put it cut-side down on a clean kitchen counter and let its thick crust protect the interior.

Also, never store your sourdough in a plastic bag.

One of the simplest methods of storing bread isn't actually a form of storage at all. Freshly baked sourdough can be left out on the countertop for a day or two before using any of the rest of the methods in this guide.

A 100% linen bag is great for a crusty loaf of sourdough bread. It's not as ideal for your sandwich breads or sweeter breads. Here are my favorite linen bags! Pros: Thanks to a bit of air flow, this method helps your crust stay crisp and crumb stay nice and moist.