Bread Bins...?

Tiddlywinks

I've been using a large Lock and Lock box to keep my bread (made in a Panasonic BM). The trouble is that the crust goes all soft and I was wondering if a bread bin might keep it crispier?

To be honest, I don't understand the 'science' behind what happens to bread to keep it crusty, or fresh or whatever.

Is a bread bin best? If so, does anyone have any recommendations for which one and how best to use it... bread uncovered and placed in it or wrapped etc.

Thanks... this is so basic but I just don't know what to do for the best.


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pigpen

I used to slice mine and keep it in a normal loaf bag. Have you looked at the breadbags? they do them in Lakeland, they are meant to be good.

Linda32

A bread bin won't make any difference if a Lock and Lock dosn't work.

Lock and Locks are air tight arn't they? were as a bread bin certainly isn't.

I personally don't make home made bread but we do buy bread and I just freeze half a loaf and have half out at a time. Would this help, presumably you can freeze home made bread the same as you can shop bought.

Tiddlywinks

It's the science bit that confuses me...

Is it better to keep bread in an airtight container to keep it fresher or to let the air get at it to keep it crisper?

In the Lock and Lock box the bread seems to produce moisture and the sides of the box can seem a bit damp - even though I leave the bread to cool thoroughly before putting it in.... is it the yeast continuing to work?

I'm just in two minds... how does everyone else keep their homemade bread crispy?

DawnW

I keep all bread - bought and home made - in an old type, unglazed earthenware bread crock. I find it lasts for much longer than other methods (apart from freezing and just defrosting what you want each time) and doesn't go soggy and mouldy.

I don't know where you buy them from new, as mine came from a car boot sale.

jools27_2

my mum uses a bread bag I brought her from some holiday, and it works a treat for her, bread doesn't survive long enough in my house to need to worry!

ciderwithrosie_2

I wouldn't know about keeping bread in a bread bin, I've got one, an old enamel one with BREAD etched on the side, but I keep crisps and choccy bars in it instead! I'd say a cloth bread bag would be your best bet, like these from Lakeland...

http://www.lakeland.co.uk/p1307/Bread-Bags

sonastin

I have a bread-bin kind of thing that was given as a present many years ago. It has a wood base and a metal half-cylinder shaped top, where half of the lid folds back over the other half. I keep my panny-made bread in there and it seems to last longer than leaving it out in the open. However, the wooden base does seem to pick up mould spores really easily if I don't keep on top of the crumbs in it. I either line it with clingfilm or just keep the bread on the side on a wooden chopping board, with the cut face turned down onto the board. If anything, my crust gets too hard at the end of the loaf.

MrsAtobe

ciderwithrosie wrote: »

I wouldn't know about keeping bread in a bread bin, I've got one, an old enamel one with BREAD etched on the side, but I keep crisps and choccy bars in it instead! I'd say a cloth bread bag would be your best bet, like these from Lakeland...

http://www.lakeland.co.uk/p1307/Bread-Bags

I've got one of those too, it doubles as a pot when I need to cook industrial quantities of curry, stew etc. Obviously I take the bread out first, but I love the fact it has a dual personality:).

brila

Firstly, shake the loaf out of the tin as soon as it's done. Leave to cool on wire rack (I use grill pan) until cool. This will give a good crust.
I would forget the lock and lock, or try to leave the lid slightly ajar. The bread should be cold before you put it away or the warm loaf will create condensation and the crust will go soggy.
I keep my bread in a metal bin with a metal (but not too tight-fitting) lid. I put a folded tea towel underneath the bread - it absorbs moisture, allows a bit of air to circulate under and catches the crumbs.
If you take ages to eat through a loaf, I would freeze half or make a smaller loaf - hm bread doesn't have the nasties in it to last too long uneaten.

pigpen

Honey_Bear wrote: »

I think I must live on a different planet from everyone else. Bread goes stale. It's not rocket science.

I've never for a moment thought that putting anything in a plastic box would make it crisper.

Not in my house it doesn't.. it barely touches the work surface lol. I leave it in the original bag on the side and it disappears in minutes.