Bread bags

[Davidcoxell]

Does anyone use waxed cotton bags for storing bread? I’ve just ordered one.
I normally bake two loaves at a time, cut them in half and freeze them. But apparently wax cloth bags are the best way to keep bread fresh in the kitchen.

 

[Norcalbaker59]

Does anyone use waxed cotton bags for storing bread? I’ve just ordered one.
I normally bake two loaves at a time, cut them in half and freeze them. But apparently wax cloth bags are the best way to keep bread fresh in the kitchen.

I bake sourdough country loaves twice a week, two or three loaves each bake. I use AP flour blended with a small amount (10% - 15%) of stoneground whole wheat flour; I mix at 75% - 76% total hydration.

I use linen bags with a beeswax liner to store my bread. My bread keeps for about 5 days. A friend also uses them.

 

[Jackamus]

Does this keep the bread crusty? Also where do you purchase them?

 

[Norcalbaker59]

Does this keep the bread crusty? Also where do you purchase them?

No bread, or any baked good, will keep its just baked crust due to starch retrogradation. What good bread storage does is keeps the bread from drying out and most importantly, keeps the loaf soft and pliable, and doesn't mold within the week it is stored.

I elevate my cooling rack by placing glasses under each corner. This allows for good air circulation under the bread. I also place a clean cotton kitchen towel under the rack so no condensation forms beneath bread as it cools. It's important bread is thoroughly cooled before bagging.

I try to let my bread cool for three hours minimum. I say “try” because more often than not someone inevitably cuts a loaf beforethat time.

During the day the loaf in use lives on the counter next to the slicer, cut side down. Before bed the bread is returned to the bag. I just loosely secure the opening.

I purchased my bags on Amazon. I have not had any issues with them.


How I evevate my cooling rack

How bread is kept during the day in our house. The bread in this photo was baked three days ago.

How I secure my bread bags

Videos that explain starch gelatinization and starch retrogradation.