How long does sourdough kale last ? Tips for stash away at way temperature or in the freezer — plus how to handle moldy lucre .
Carson Downing
Whether you feed yoursourdough starterdaily and proudly pump out loaf ofartisan sourdough , buy them from your local baker , or snag a loaf of bread of sourdough at the supermarket , it ’s tough to resist the collection of one of the tangy , stamp , and chewy slices . However , we ca n’t always eat the full - adust beauty as fast as we ’d like . How long does sourdough boodle last ?

Credit:Carson Downing
If you ’ve mourned over cold or moldy slices , this guide for how to stack away sourdough scratch is for you . We spoke to two culinary pro on all thing sourdough storehouse .
Why Does Sourdough Bread Go Bad?
“ The proficient terminus for bread ‘ going bad , ’ or getting stale , is call retrogradation , ” saysSarah Brekke , M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen brand manager . “ During retrogradation , the amylum granules that were earlier plump and full of wet right after baking begin to cool . ”
The weewee in the loaf of bread starts to move towards the surface of the loaf of bread , finally evaporate into the gentle wind , therefore causing the clams to “ stale , ” add Ally White , owner and baker of Matriarch Bread in Morgan Hill , California .
This happens to all kinds of bakes — yeast bread , quick bread , biscuits , gem , and sourdough — and all of the above can also grow mold after a sure point .
If you blemish onemoldy slice of bread , toss the whole loaf — hide mould spores have in all likelihood spread beyond what can be seen .
Due to the sourdough bread ’s high natural acidulousness , the final intersection will actually stay fresh a couple days longer than barm moolah kept under the same conditions .
" But since there are no preservative in a simple sourdough loaf , staling will still come about , ” White says .
Test Kitchen Tip : Some store - bought supermarket loaf of sourdough bread may curb some preservatives . delay the element list and the“use by ” day of the month .
For preservative - free loaves , the “ good by ” clock begin ticking as presently as they total out of the oven . But do n’t take that as permission to rush through the cool down process . Ideally , you ’ll look at least 2 time of day after broil before curve into your sourdough .
“ If you slice the bread while it ’s still warm , you will belike notice a sticky or viscid grain , ” Brekke says .
How to Keep Sourdough Bread Fresh Longer
Before we jump into how to put in sourdough bread , we could n’t resist expect White and Brekke to reveal their top backsheesh to max out the quality of our sourdough for as long as possible . ( Besides not slicing while it ’s still steaming , of class . )
How to Store Sourdough Bread
“ A loaf of bread is lucky to last 2 days in my home , ” White tells us , with a laugh .
During the first 24 hours after the bread was bake , her solution for how she store sourdough lettuce is all about easygoing access . She simply places the switch off - side down on the cut board .
When day 2 rolls around , or before if you prefer , White and Brekke suggest transferring the sourdough it to a store vessel :
“ Most of these options will leave in yield of the impudence , but will keep the overall loaf gracious and moist for a few more days , ” White aver .
That impertinence helps protect the more dampish and affectionate lowlife underneath , so if you may , stash away sourdough bread whole rather than sliced . That being said , you’re able to pre - slice bread if that ’s best for your lifestyle . fund sliced sourdough in a vigor - top bagful or enclose in beeswax wrapping or plastic wrap — and keep an eye on it .
“ supervise your bread day by day to guarantee that redundant moisture is n’t build up up inside the wrapping , which can cannonball along up moulding growth , ” Brekke recommends .
If you do n’t foreknow that you ’ll be able-bodied to make the most of your slices by the oddment of day 2 , it ’s wise to watch over these tips for how to hive away sourdough loot in the deep-freeze ASAP :
How Long Does Sourdough Bread Last?
At way temperature , if you follow our guidance for how to stack away sourdough sugar , it should last for up to 1 week , Brekke says . After 3 to 4 days , though , “ the tone starts to rapidly wane , ” Brekke admits .
If you must refrigerate your sourdough due to one of its mix - ins ( such as cubed pancetta or cheese ) , direct to eat it within 2 to 3 days .
As we cite , immobilise dramatically slows the retrogradation ( staling ) procedure . Tightly - wrapped sourdough bread should last up to 3 calendar month , but you ’ll know the best timber if you use them within 2 to 4 weeks .
Our No. 1 Trick to Revive Stale Sourdough Bread
If you overvalue your ability to make your way through the lucre before it started to go stale , all is not drop off . you may either makebread cubesto use ascroutonsor in savorystuffing recipe , or process those dried cubes intobreadcrumbs .
Or recreate it by using Brekke ’s tested - and - true technique :
For crusty clams , unwrap the loaf of bread and pop it back into the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes , or until the crust is nicely crisped .
The Best Recipes to Use Up Sourdough Bread
Now that you recognize all of the good options for how to store sourdough lucre , you might be feeling more inspired than ever to bake or buy some . If you do , deliberate assign those slices to delicious use twin with apasta formula , as the star ofhealthy gourmet sandwiches , inegg bakedishes , for dip instews or soup , asbreakfast sandwiches , or to channel your intimate Brit and opt forbaked beansontoast .