Bread has been around for as long as people can remember. Even in the earliest times, people created flatbreads and were able to create a filling food thanks to ground grain and water. Later, another ingredient was added: the leavening agent, which still gives our bread more volume and suppleness today. Externally, most breads have a firm, dark crust, while inside we find the crumb – the soft part. Important for a successful bread is, of course, the flour, some salt, as well as water and the leavening agent, which often consists of baker's yeast and sourdough. In addition, depending on the variety and taste, grated vegetables, potatoes, herbs, onions, nuts, or seeds can also be found in the bread.
Which types of bread are there nowadays?
As a rule, the baker distinguishes between two basic types of bread – leavened and unleavened bread dough. Of course, the types of grain and the additional ingredients also vary. Particularly popular is mixed bread, which consists partly of rye flour and partly of wheat flour. From this, the most delicious types of black, gray, and white bread can be created.
Which types of bread are particularly popular?
We know more than just toast and rusks – the bread market offers a rich selection of baked goods.
- Pumpernickel is a special bread that is baked over a long period of time.
- Crispbread is a thin, dry bread that consists of little moisture and has its origins in Scandinavia.
- Whole grain bread is one of the healthiest types of bread, is particularly filling, and is rich in fiber.
- Ciabatta is an Italian bread variant, crispy on the outside and airy and soft on the inside.
With all these delicacies, tasty snacks and meals can be created. From Toast Hawaii to bruschetta there are many treats and variations from which a simple bread can be transformed into a tasty meal.
How do I best store bread?
Fresh bread tastes simply fabulous – unfortunately, it doesn't last very long. After just a few days, it tastes old or bland, perhaps even dried out, if not even infested with mold. Especially in the summer months, the shelf life is unfortunately not so good – but there are some tips and tricks so that you can enjoy bread for longer.
Airtight containers
Freshly baked and often lukewarm bread is only available from the baker. It is best to take the bread out of the paper wrapping at home and place it in an airtight and dry container. This can be, for example, a bread crock, a Bread binbread box, linen bag or even a plastic bagHow much folic acid should one consume daily?
The use of a plastic bag is popular. However, these bags should be replaced regularly. Storage in a bread box is a good solution – the breads have their fixed place in the kitchen and can be stored perfectly on the spot. Due to the optimal ventilation, however, the bread dries out faster. Although the risk of increased mold formation is lower, the baked goods also lose taste due to this storage.
The bread crock or a disused Römertopf (clay baker) is, however, a good option for storing bread, especially bread slices. Make sure that the vessels can be closed well and only a few air holes allow slight ventilation of the bread. So that you can enjoy the bread crock for a long time, you should wash it out regularly with vinegar to prevent mold from forming in the first place. The bread remains wonderfully soft if you place a damp cloth over the stone or clay pot.
Storage in a stone pine bread box is highly recommended. Here the bread is well protected and lasts much longer.
Hobby bakers and experts alternatively swear by storing the bread in the oven. Here, all the necessary conditions for a long bread life are given. The bread stays fresh for a long time and does not dry out.
Extra tip: Definitely separate old from fresh bread so that any mold from old bread types cannot spread to the fresh baked goods.
My own experience: I bought a stone pine bread box and am very satisfied; my bread now lasts much longer and is well taken care of. Furthermore, I also have a linen bag that I am also very satisfied with.
Bread stays fresh
To keep the cut surface of the bread nice and soft, cover it with dampened parchment paper. To preserve the baking taste of bread until the end, you can cover the bread with a damp, thoroughly wrung-out clothMoisture. Please ensure that the cloth is changed frequently and that the
moisture does not soak too much into the crust and soften it.
How can I best store my bread in summer?In summer, very few types of bread last long – it is warmer and mold has an easier time. Therefore, it is advisable to store your bread in the refrigerator. Here, the bread can be stored at lower temperatures and mold is less likely to form. The disadvantage, however, is that the bread becomes bland faster. Therefore, it is recommended to cut the bread into
several pieces and freeze them in portions.
How can I refresh my bread?
Old bread can be refreshed by baking it briefly in the oven. This also applies to rolls or white bread, which, however, should be eaten immediately. It gets even better if the baked goods are brushed with a little water. The water makes the rolls or bread juicy again and it doesn't have to end up in the trash can.
Using up old breadBread dumplingsIf nothing helps and the bread is too old and doesn't taste good anymore, but it is not yet moldy, you don't have to throw it away immediately. Cut the bread into cubes and freeze it, because you can still conjure up great
Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
Also read: or croutons.
