Mold spores are organically in the air all the time. Food products like bread get moldy because the spores land on it and in a favorable humidity and environment, it multiplies on that surface, ending up building a complete colony. Thus, it not just ruins your food but also can spread to other surfaces like your clothes, other food products, even leather. So, you see now what kind of hazard molds can cause. You might wonder, is there any way to prevent this occurrence? Well, yes, there is. You can prevent mold formation on the bread by conducting very few measures. Without further ado, let’s dive into it.
Bread Basic – How and why does a bread react to temperature and grow molds?
The bread-making process says a lot about its structure and how long it would last. In the process, it usually fluffs up because of yeast and the water evaporates out. And the bread is ready when gluten and starch are cooked and all the yeast, mold spores and other microorganisms are exterminated in the oven’s heat. But the twist here is that as soon as you take the bun/bread out of the oven, it actually starts to go in the reverse process. It starts soaking in the water vapor and anything with it which might be present in the environment. That is why room temperature is the best for molds to multiply in.
Originally, the bread reacts differently in different temperatures. As we already know, In high temperatures, all sorts of microorganisms get Destroyed. On the other hand, in lower temperatures like the freezer (less than equal 0°C), the regeneration of microorganisms is near zero. So, any spores present in the Bread seizes from multiplying. That is why frozen bread (-18°C) almost never gets moldy.
But the room temperature to 55°C is an ideal temperature for mold formation on bread. As we know, bread starts to react in reverse when you take it out of the oven (even the refrigerator). So, the spores can get in touch and multiply with ease in the trim temperature. Needless to say, it is evident that a bread loaf in a plastic bag at room temperature in summer would catch mold way faster than in winter. Stating that now we clearly know the effect of temperature on bread.
How to keep the bread from molding?
Molds are a natural occurrence. Inevitably every organic object is to be moldy in damp weather. Bread loaves are even more so. But mold formation can be prevented or delayed with some measures taken before the mold spores act out and your bread will be fresh to eat sliced bread to the last piece.
Method 01: Refrigerating the bread to prevent molding
The best strategy to keep the bread fresh and mold-free is to store them in the refrigerator. The cold environment helps to preserve the bread material and it lasts longer. Light, humidity and heat are the three mold-inducing components. Fridge Provides a cold, dark and dry environment for the bread. This way you can use the whole bread loaf without worrying about the mold. So all you got to do is put your good fresh bread in a container or bread holder and put it in the fridge till you need it again and you are done. Now You relax and prepare for your meal while your bread is safe and tasty as you made it.
Method 02: Preventing mold by applying Air-sealing Method
Sealing the bread in an airtight plastic bag eliminating all the air inside might be the second-best way to save your bread. Yes, homie, that is correct. What does intrigue the formation of mold in the first place? The mold spores floating in the air that land on anything, including the bread, can start a colony of mold in the moist and hot weather. So to conduct this method, you will be an airtight plastic bag or any plastic bag with a seal, a straw and, of course, the bread. Now the bag has to be as big as the loaf you want to preserve. Put the loaf/piece in the bag and seal the opening all the way through, leaving a little space to put the straw in and suck out all the air from the bag. Take the straw out and seal it the whole way. Now that your bread has no access to the air. It will not go bad due to mold formation. That is why it is the second most convenient way people usually save their bread.
Method 03: Freezing to keep the bread from molding
If you need to preserve the bread for an extended period, it is better to freeze it completely. You can put it in a container or plastic bag and toss it in the freezer till it gets ice hard. Mold can not form in that much cold. It’s impossible. And when you feel like using the bread, you just leave it out at room temperature and it will thaw itself.
Method 04: Using Preservatives
Calcium propionate, propionic acid and sodium propionate are the best preservatives used while baking bread. The companies that produce bread for commercial purposes use these preservatives so that the bread stays fresh longer. You can use these Preservatives to prevent mold formation. It will not ultimately make the bread mold resistant, but it will delay the spread of the mold.
Method 05: Using Tools to Keep the Bread Fresh
There are many kitchen tools specifically invented to keep the bread fresh. Bread box, baker’s bag, Brown paper bag, etc,. are some tools you can use to keep your bread fresh and safe from mold. Bread boxes are airtight containers to hold bread loaves. It comes in different designs and sizes. Bread boxes usually are very handy. They can keep the bread fresh both in the fridge and outside for the time being. Baker’s bag and brown parchment paper bags also help the cause. Because the parchment material used to make these bags does not let air pass through so easily, when the open end is sealed. So the bread inside stays fresh for a long time. This is not a very long-lasting or permanent solution, but it works. So, it is worth a try.
Method 06: Being a Smart Consumer and Eat Fresh Breads
Yes, this is an excellent way to prevent mold. All you have to do is plan your food habits. You have to be proportionate and precise about your bread consumption habits. This means you will have to bake or buy the exact amount of bread appropriate for a one-time meal only. This way, you will get to have freshly baked or purchased bread for every meal and you will not have to be concerned about saving the bread at all. Hence you do not have to worry about the bread getting moldy. This way, you also are preventing the spread of mold spores to other food and clothes. Mold spread in the house is a serious health concern. So, by being a smart consumer, you are helping in creating a healthier environment for your family.
Bottom line
So, this is How to keep the bread from molding. Molds form on organic surfaces naturally. For clothes, you keep them clean and fresh to protect them from mold and for food, you just need to preserve them in the right way, like bread loaves. They can be saved from an old for a long time if kept in the dark, cold and unventilated environment. Also, bread can stay fresh in cold weather outside the fridge, but if the humidity is high, it is better to keep it in the refrigerator if not in use.