Culinary School Factoid:
Did you know that bread goes stale fastest in the refrigerator? Keeping it at room temperature or freezer are better bets. Want to know why? The temperature of most refrigerators is about 41 degrees F (5 degrees C), which happens to be the perfect temperature for Crystallization to occur- drawing water from the bread, causing the loaf to go stale. Also known as Retrogradation. One day in the refrigerator is equal to 3 days at room temperature. If you are going to store it at room temperature, wrap it tightly in it’s original packaging. If you are going to freeze it, wrap it in foil and then seal in a ziplock bag, making sure to remove all extra air. When ready to eat, remove from freezer, allow to thaw, keep wrapped in foil and place in a preheated oven for 5 minutes.
Now this is a tip everyone can use, thank you. I had thought fridge was better than counter, glad you cleared this up. 🙂
Thanks for the tip Courtney! Good to know!
Donna