Bread
Many people believe refrigeration keeps bread fresh for longer, but the opposite is true. The cold environment of a fridge actually speeds up the process that causes bread to become dry, hard, and stale.
Low temperatures cause the starch molecules in bread to crystallize faster, which makes the loaf lose its soft texture and fresh taste much sooner than expected. As a result, bread stored in the fridge often feels old even when it isn’t.
The best place to store bread is at room temperature in a cool, dry spot, preferably in a bread box or sealed container. If you need long-term storage, freezing is a far better option than refrigeration.
One exception is prepared sandwiches. Once bread is sliced and filled with ingredients, refrigeration helps keep the fillings safe, and the bread can tolerate the cold slightly better.
