How To Soften Hard Bread?
Hard bread depending on the cause of staleness can easily be resolved. Because Bread can typically remain fresh for 3 to 5 days after it’s made, constant exposure to air can cause it to become rigid. Softening of hard bread requires two essential things-water and heat. The heat is needed to allow the brittle bread to reabsorb lost moisture, that ked to dryness and hardness. The rationale behind this is that there’s little water still left inside the bread. Thus, the trick is to enable the bread to reabsorb that moisture by reintroducing the element of heat. As moisture is reabsorbed into the starch molecules. The hard bread should be immersed fully in water, in a bowl, or from a running tap, to rehydrate it. This process essential revives the bread back to its former fresh, supple state.
Hard bread can be softened in a preferred oven, using just water and an aluminum foil. This technique is suitable for unsliced loaves. Pre-sliced bread can also be restored by simply popping it into a toaster for a few minutes. However, take note that this process of heat and moisture is most effective if the bread is wrapped, preferably in an aluminum foil. Also note that this truck is one-time only and do not attempt it if the bread is moldy, only if it’s crusty, and/or hard. This method is easy to apply to revert the hardness and staleness of even the hardest bread, making it edible again.
The Shelf Life Of Bread
The shelf life of bread can vary depending on certain factors such as the type of bread, storage, and climate.
Type Of Bread: In a pantry, bread that is store-bought, wholegrain, multi-grain, or white can last from 5 to 7 days. Bread types with artificial and natural preservatives, including sourdough can usually last longer. Seeded bread and dense rye also have longer shelf lives. Bacteria in Latic acid found in these types of bread inhibit molding.
Storage Arrangements: the shelf life of bread can greatly be determined by how it is stored and packaged. Loaves that are wrapped in paper or cotton bags or clothes are best suited to preserve bread. Wrapping the bread before storage is crucial.
Climate: Climate can also play a significant role in how long bread can last. Dry weather can cause bread to be more rigid and stake faster, while humidity can promote molding
The Role Of Starch In Bread
Once the starch present in bread starts breaking down, bread begins to go stale. The key element in bread is starch. When exposed to dry air, the chemical process of certification occurs which turns the starch into sugar. The starch granules thicken when cooled after being cooked with heat and moisture. Over time, however, this water absorbed by the starch granules is lost to the atmosphere by evaporation causing the granules to revert to a crystalline structure till the bread becomes rigid and brittle.
How To Soften Stale Bread?
Hopefully, there is a way to restore stale bread to its former springy, soft self. Hard, stale brad can soften by the methods below:
1. Pre-Heating In Oven
Firstly, the oven should be pre-heated to 200°C or 300F. While this is going on, the bread needs to be immersed in water and tightly wrapped and sealed in aluminum foil. The aluminum foil is to trap moisture and prevents heat from escaping. However, this should only be done if the crust is brittle. If not just slightly damp the loaf. Wetting is only meant to restore lost moisture. The bread should be heated on the center rack of the oven. The duration is typically 30 to 45 minutes for a whole loaf, while 15 to 25 minutes for a partial loaf or a baguette. After heating, the foil can be unwrapped and returned to the oven for another 5 minutes, if the crust is still hard. But note that the bread can only last for a few hours till it becomes stale once more.
2. Steaming
Hard bread can also be softened through steaming. Tue can be done by boiling water in a steamer or larger pot. A pan should be placed inside. If you do not have a steamer, a colander that can sit on top of the pan can be used. Although steaming provides less heat than an oven, it adds in more moisture, useful for very hard or stale bread. Place the lid over the steamer or colander, leaving for about five minutes to soften the bread.
3. Microwaving
The dampened bread should be wrapped in a towel cloth and placed on the microwave-safe dish. The microwave should be set on high for 10 seconds. Repeat this process if the bread is still brittle. Once it is finally softened, it can be removed and safely eaten.
It is important to remember the factors that contribute to bread turning stale and if there is molding or unpleasant smells before embarking on this route. This is to avoid getting sick.
