For many people, bread is a simple staple food and a daily breakfast or snack essential in numerous households. However, sometimes a whole loaf goes uneaten and quickly becomes dry or moldy. Many people face the frustrating issue of bread either molding before it's finished or turning hard within just two days. According to foreign media outlet 'Mirror,' simply changing storage habits and applying basic temperature and humidity control techniques can significantly extend bread's shelf life.What causes bread to harden or mold?

Experts reveal '3 correct storage methods,' one of which can keep bread fresh even when refrigerated.The main reason bread hardens or molds is related to air humidity. The UK-based food waste reduction group Wheeldon Brothers states that making small adjustments to how bread is stored after purchase can extend its freshness for several weeks, reducing unnecessary food waste.How to properly store bread?

Experts share three bread storage methods:1. Moisture-retaining trick: Place 'fresh celery' inside the bread bag to maintain softness and prevent moldCommercially sold sliced bread and sourdough can easily become moldy or hard over time. Experts recommend placing a crisp stalk of celery inside the bread bag. Celery naturally releases moisture, helping keep bread soft while inhibiting mold growth. When combined with refrigeration, this method helps maintain the bread's fresh, soft texture. This technique can extend the bread's shelf life by approximately one week.2. Avoid airtight packaging: Complete sealing creates a breeding ground for moldMany people instinctively use airtight bread boxes or plastic bags to store bread. However, experts point out that this traps residual moisture inside the sealed bag, making mold growth more likely.It's recommended to poke a few small holes in the sealed bag to allow airflow and let moisture escape. Be careful not to make too many holes, as this may cause the bread to dry out too quickly. Alternatively, use a bread bag made of coarse cotton fabric, whose small pores provide the same ventilation effect.3. Store bread in an airtight container before refrigeratingIf you must refrigerate bread, place it in an airtight container first. Experts say this effectively blocks fridge moisture and odors from affecting the bread. The best method is to keep the bread in its original packaging and then place the entire bag into a sealed container, which can extend its shelf life.For leftovers, choose 'freezing'!

Japanese bakery brand shares 3 steps to lock in 7–10 days of freshnessIf you can't finish a whole loaf of toast or rolls within 1–2 days, Japan's leading bakery Yamazaki Bread recommends 'freezing' for storage. The extremely low temperature in the freezer minimizes starch retrogradation—the main cause of staling.Yamazaki Bread shares the correct 3-step freezing method for toast and roll bread:Portioning: Slice or divide into single-serving sizes based on meal needs.Sealing: Carefully wrap each portion in plastic wrap to prevent air exposure and moisture loss.Storage: After sealing, place directly into the freezer.(Note: Freezing is not suitable for bread containing raw vegetables, fruits, or large chunks of potato.)How to reheat frozen bread?

No thawing needed—place directly in the ovenWhen eating frozen bread, there's no need to thaw it first. Simply place the frozen bread directly into the oven to heat. Using this sealed-freezing and direct-heating method, bread like toast and croissants can maintain their delicious quality for 7–10 days. Yamazaki Bread emphasizes: 'Bread is best stored at room temperature. For long-term storage, skip refrigeration and go straight to freezing.'Source: 'Mirror,' 'grapee'Editor: Chen Defu