Does storing bread in the fridge make it last longer? (2019) • Hacker News Board

Re: Does storing bread in the fridge make it last longer? (2019)

#11

Post by voisin » Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 2:34 PM UTC

jnellis wrote: post #7

I've been making two loaves a week, sourdough and rye, for over a year now. After they cool overnight they go in the fridge for a couple hours just to make slicing them easier, then they get bagged and go in the freezer. This seems like it maintains 'freshness' the best. The toaster is more or less set to defrost a frozen slice on the first run and toast it on the second. Ironically, the starter mix does live in the…

So you slice the whole loaf after the hours in the fridge and before going in the freezer?

Re: Does storing bread in the fridge make it last longer? (2019)

#12

Post by de_watcher » Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 2:37 PM UTC

voisin wrote: post #11

jnellis wrote: post #7

I've been making two loaves a week, sourdough and rye, for over a year now. After they cool overnight they go in the fridge for a couple hours just to make slicing them easier, then they get bagged and go in the freezer. This seems like it maintains 'freshness' the best. The toaster is more or less set to defrost a frozen slice on the first run and toast it on the second. Ironically, the starter mix does live in the…

So you slice the whole loaf after the hours in the fridge and before going in the freezer?

Or you use a power saw to slice it after taking out of the freezer?

Re: Does storing bread in the fridge make it last longer? (2019)

#13

Post by ycombinete » Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 2:37 PM UTC

dusted wrote: post #8

Yes. I don't eat bread regularly at home, so some times, it'll be a few weeks in the fridge, and it's just fine (after a trip in the toaster). Leave that same bread out and it'll be mouldy within the first week or two. This is regular french bread bought at the local bakery. Here in Denmark, we also have black bread, which are more normal to keep in the fridge, that bread does not seem to go stale the same way as fre…

Well it likely is stale. Warming the bread in toaster will reverse the staling process. The the article mentions this.

You’re spot on about the mould.

Re: Does storing bread in the fridge make it last longer? (2019)

#14

Post by aazaa » Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 2:51 PM UTC

> ... Most of them are failing miserably. Not because the statements they are making are wrong, but because they fall prey to a common critical thinking mistake: failing to define our terms. ...

Article then goes on to cogitate for 1,500 words while introducing no data or experiment. Do an experiment or go home.

Re: Does storing bread in the fridge make it last longer? (2019)

#15

Post by mumblemumble » Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 2:52 PM UTC

So, there's been a lot of reacting to this article on the level of bread preservation, and that's definitely some useful life knowledge, but don't miss the subtext: This article is using a debate about bread as the object of a lesson in the importance of precise communication. I've seen this argument happen before. It was once a source of much debate within my extended family. And, like the article describes, the basis for the acrimony was 100% that the two different camps were both defining the word "last" in two subtly different ways, and doggedly refusing to recognize or acknowledge it.

Similar patterns play out elsewhere. For example, open source and copyleft tend to be using different working definitions of "free." And the distinction in question is not the one indicated by the F's capitalization.

Re: Does storing bread in the fridge make it last longer? (2019)

#16

Post by peterwwillis » Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 2:54 PM UTC

I actually had a bread box at one point, and the bread got moldy after two days. Maybe it just needed to be cleaned, or maybe it trapped moisture and heat?

Re: Does storing bread in the fridge make it last longer? (2019)

#17

Post by implements » Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 2:59 PM UTC

Just as an aside, your can freeze milk too - though it has to be in a strong container that doesn’t allow too much expansion or the fat will separate on defrosting.

Re: Does storing bread in the fridge make it last longer? (2019)

#18

Post by gravitas » Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 2:59 PM UTC

dusted wrote: post #8

Yes. I don't eat bread regularly at home, so some times, it'll be a few weeks in the fridge, and it's just fine (after a trip in the toaster). Leave that same bread out and it'll be mouldy within the first week or two. This is regular french bread bought at the local bakery. Here in Denmark, we also have black bread, which are more normal to keep in the fridge, that bread does not seem to go stale the same way as fre…

Mold is the real issue for me, i live in a humid area where breads molds in less than a week if left on the counter. Putting it in the fridge is just a necessity of life if you want a week or two of sandwiches from a loaf.

Re: Does storing bread in the fridge make it last longer? (2019)

#19

Post by clairity » Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 2:59 PM UTC

i found that putting store-bought donuts in the fridge makes them last long enough (a week) to eat before going stale. and as a bonus, the hardened glaze is both easier on the fingers (and clothes) and enhances the sweetness. mmmmm, donuts!

Re: Does storing bread in the fridge make it last longer? (2019)

#20

Post by chris_st » Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 3:10 PM UTC

jeffrallen wrote: post #5

If your bread lasts longer than it takes you to eat it, your bread is too big, or it is not yummy enough to make you eat enough. Get yourself to a proper boulanger and eat proper bread!

Or I'd like to make enough bread that I don't have to make bread again really soon?