Bread goes mouldy faster if placed next to one common kitchen ingredient, expert warns

Mould can silently appear on and spread at breakneck speed, so it’s not always possible to prevent it. However, there are some key mistakes that can be avoided.

Freshness is key, and factors like packaging and moisture can significantly impact the longevity of your loaf.

If you often buy bread but find it going stale before you can finish it, there are effective .

For example, freezing is a fantastic option for those who don’t consume bread quickly, ensuring it remains edible without .

Sarah Taylor, food hygiene expert at , spoke exclusively with to share her insights on bread storage.

She began by answering one of the most common questions – whether to eat bread that has already started to mould or not.

The pro said: “It’s the age-old question, should you bin or keep bread with spots of mould?

“Mouldy bread is generally best thrown away, as the mould will likely have spread much further through the loaf than is actually visible.

“Buying sliced bread is a good, cheaper option for keeping your bread fresh for longer, as mould takes longer to spread throughout the loaf.”

Sarah went on to divulge her top tips to prolong the lifespan of bread, highlighting one lesser-known fact about keeping bread next to water.

She said: “To keep your bread fresh for longer, it’s best to keep it covered, either in a bread bin or bread bag, and try to keep the packaging intact and covering as much of the bread as possible.

“You should also keep the loaf away from water, which can speed up the development of mould. If you tend to go through your bread slowly, a good option is to freeze it.

“This keeps the loaf edible and prevents the spread of mould. To thaw the bread, simply use the defrost setting on your toaster to avoid a soggy slice.”