Bread has a limited shelf life. It is generally safe to consume bread that has reached its expiration date. However, the odor, color, and texture of the food may not be what you expected. A loaf of bread that is dry, has mold, or is a bit dull will probably be less than ideal.
Although there is no definitive test for identifying spoiled or rotten bread, there are many tests and techniques to identify a stale, moldy, or otherwise contaminated product. The “best by” dates on the packaging are an obvious hint, but there are several other factors to take into consideration. Some of the more fun factors are the spiciness of the bread, the taste of the ointment and butter, and the flavor of the sourdough.
Among other things, bread is an indicator of the amount of moisture in the air. If you find that a piece of bread has dried out, it’s time to throw it out. In some cases, the staleness of the bread is not caused by spoiled food, but rather the result of a high humidity environment.
Besides checking for obvious signs of spoilage, it’s also a good idea to consider how the bread is stored and handled. While it’s not always possible to keep a fresh loaf of bread for long, it’s often possible to preserve it in a refrigerator for a few days. Leaving it out in hotter climates can be particularly dangerous.
One of the simplest ways to detect mold in a piece of bread is by sniffing it. This isn’t a foolproof method, though, because it can be difficult to determine the extent of mold that’s present. Mold is most easily observed on cut surfaces, but it can also grow on the spongy interior of a bread loaf. You’ll know the bread is mouldy by noticing a sour smell.
Another nifty trick to find out if a piece of bread is stale is to use a magnifying glass to examine its surface. Mold usually takes the form of a fuzzy brown or black spot, or a white spot that’s fuzzy on the inside but shiny on the outside. Other telltale signs of mold include the presence of spores.
Lastly, there’s no shortage of products that claim to tell you whether a piece of bread is stale. But if you want to be sure that you’re getting your money’s worth, there are more reputable options. These include analyzing the ingredients listed on the package, reading up on the food’s history, and experimenting with a few recipes. Ultimately, the best way to figure out if a bread is fresh or stale is to taste it. Luckily, many companies offer free sample trials of their wares.
Having said all that, it’s important to note that the healthiest thing to do is to avoid consuming a rotten loaf. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use it to make toast or croutons. Just make sure you don’t go overboard with the butter, sourdough, jam, or other toppings.
