A significant amount of bakery products goes to waste every single day. In Europe, nearly 300 slices of bread are wasted every second. This is not only harmful to the environment, but also to our wallets. In this article, we have collected 6 tips to reduce bread waste and get the most out of this food.
1. Plan ahead!
One of the most effective tools against food waste is to plan ahead. Since bread is a perishable food, which means it doesn’t last long on the kitchen counter, it is better to buy it more often according to your weekly (eating) schedule. If you know that you or your family won’t be able to eat a whole loaf because you’re going away for the weekend or celebrating a birthday in your favorite restaurant, it is worth buying a smaller portion of bread at your weekly grocery haul. This way, you can minimize the chances of bread waste.
2. Freeze it ’til you make it!
Did you know you can have soft, fresh bread every morning without the fuss of baking one or going to the store? The secret is the freezer! If you accidentally bought too much, just slice it (or at least cut it into smaller portions), put it in a tightly sealed freezing bag, and then into the freezer for up to 6 months! The next time you want to make a perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich, just make sure you only defrost what you need.
3. Store it like a pro!
Proper storage is also one of the key elements of reducing food waste. With a little attention, you can prevent bread from drying out or going moldy: just don’t store it in the fridge and avoid using plastic bags. The best way to extend the shelf life of bread is to wrap it in a cotton kitchen cloth and put it in a bread bin. The cloth absorbs moisture while the bread bin keeps it soft. An alternative, but still effective solution to keep it soft, is to wrap the bread in beeswax paper.
4. Start over with leftovers!
The last stale and dry slices, the bread crust, or even the ends of the bread are perfect ingredients to experiment with in the kitchen! Use the slices in a sweet or savoury French toast, or crush them up to make croutons for your salads and cream soups. Smash them even more, and you will get homemade breadcrumbs to top your next mac and cheese or make crispy fried chicken!
5. Use bread as a sauce-saver!
Did your sauce turn out thin and runny? Use bread to make them thicker! Simply tear it into small pieces and add it to the dish. The bread breaks down and thickens the liquid, resulting in a rich, creamy texture.
6. Sharing is caring!
If you have extra bread that you can’t use, give it to your friends or neighbours. It’s also worth keeping your eyes open in your neighbourhood, as there may be families or elderly people living alone who would appreciate this gesture.
By integrating these easy practices into your daily life, you can not only reduce bread waste but also try new, exciting ways of enjoying this staple and seemingly dull food. Our motto is that leftovers are not waste, but a bonus. Let’s experiment in the kitchen, cook more, and waste less!