There’s nothing like a fresh sourdough bread. But unless you plan to eat the whole thing in one sitting, then you’ll need a way to keep it fresh until you get around to eating the rest.
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Like all bread, if you don’t store your sourdough correctly, it can become either stale and crunchy or moist and moldy. Sourdough bread is unique because it has already undergone a slow fermentation process. The natural fermentation that takes place while making the sourdough starter also creates natural lactic acid that will help keep it fresh for longer.
That said, it has no preservatives like other types of bread selling in stores, so you will only get a few good days out of it if you don’t store it correctly.
By storing it the right way, you can keep your sourdough fresher for longer!
At RT: Its Own Plastic Bag
(Recommended)
At room temperature, the plastic bag that we packed sourdough bread in will keep it fresh and soft. If you plan to enjoy your bread within 2 to 3 days, then you should be fine keeping it in its own plastic bag. After that we recommend to store your bread in refrigerator for up to 7-10 days or in freezer up to 2-3 months. Don’t forget to slice it before placing in freezer. The bag that you will use should be airtight. If they are not sealed properly, it will cause ice crystals on breads or baked goods.
Paper Bags
Sourdough bread is notorious for its crispy exterior and soft interior. Keeping your bread at room temperature in a paper bag will help your sourdough from going soft. That said, a paper bag will let in quite a bit of air which can cause it to dry out and go hard faster. If you plan to devour your bread within 2 to 3 days, then you should be fine storing it in a paper bag. But don’t expect it to stay fresh much longer than that!
Traditional Breadbox
This traditional bread storage method is an ideal environment for storing sourdough bread. The inside of a breadbox is dry and dark, creating just enough humidity to keep the bread from going stale while preventing it from getting mouldy.
Both wood and stainless-steel bread boxes are available, but they basically do the same thing. Beyond just the aesthetic look of the breadbox in your kitchen, there are only a few differences to consider between the two types. Stainless steel bread boxes are easier to clean than wood, and they also provide a better seal which will help keep out flies or other bugs.
When storing your bread in a breadbox, simply place your bread directly inside, with the cut side down.
Linen Bags
Linen bags are one of the best ways to store sourdough bread so that it stays fresh. Linen is a breathable and durable fabric that provides an excellent environment for bread. As long as the bag is closed, it will keep just enough moisture inside for the sourdough to retain its soft interior while preventing the outside from getting soggy.
Linen is a natural and sustainable plant fibre, so using / reusing a linen bag to store your bread is an ethical choice.
If you can’t find a linen bread bag and you’re feeling ambitious, you could try making your own with linen tea towels or napkins. This could also make a great gift for your loved ones!
The Best Way: Freezer
(Recommended)
Freezer will stop your sourdough bread from going stale or mouldy. If you want to save your sourdough for a rainy day, then freezing it means that you can enjoy it for months to come. You can slice it up and freeze it that way. If you freeze it in slices, that means you can just grab out as many as you need when you want to toast it up, and then enjoy!