The surge in homemade bread baking has introduced a set of familiar challenges, but once you've mastered the rise and perfected the crust, it comes down to storing your leftovers. How can you keep your homemade bread fresh? Is it possible? We vote yes. We tried the Keeki Bag, a linen pouch lined with beeswax, and learned how proper storage can help your fresh bread retain its soft texture and perfectly crisp crust.
Challenges of Keeping Fresh Bread Fresh
- As bread ages, it quickly experiences moisture loss, leading to dryness and stale bread, especially if you're storing it in a paper bag.
- The texture changes. A perfectly crusty loaf of artisanal bread can harden when exposed to air, and the soft bread itself can become tough or rubbery.
- Leftover bread gets moldy... fast. An airtight container isn't the answer. Storing bread improperly, such as encased in plastic wrap or stuffed into a sealed plastic bag can lead to microbial growth. And yes, those mold spores can appear overnight!
What is the Keeki Bag?
The bag is a 11"x14" linen pouch lined with beeswax. It seals with a drawstring closure. If you've ever used flat beeswax wrap, you'll understand that it can be hard to get a good seal around your item. The Keeki Bag's layer of beeswax is fully sewn into the design, adding structure, durability, and function. Beeswax wraps are naturally breathable, unlike plastic. This allows the bread to "breathe" and release moisture, which prevents mold growth and keeps the bread fresher for longer. Beeswax also has natural antibacterial properties, which can help inhibit the growth of bacteria that can spoil bread.
If you make large loafs, they also sell a 11"x19" bag. Keep in mind that more space for air around the bread isn't necessarily a good thing; unless I was making a large loaf and planning on saving it for the next day, I wouldn't put the big bag to good use.
The Verdict
It does work! I've tested the Keeki Bag around leftover loaves of homemade bread with success, including a fresh loaf from the bread maker. I've also used it for loaves of store-bought bread that I hoped to save for more than a day or two. When using, I insert the bread cut side down for maximum contact with the beeswax, and conform the bag and its inner beeswax layer around the entire crust. I don't store the bread in slices. Then, I seal the drawstring as tight as possible, and roll the cinched opening to limit any air that might fit inside the drawstring hole. I've found that we're able to get an extra day or two out of every loaf.
- Yes, it's well-sewn
- Yes, the beeswax is durable
- Yes, it's easy to turn inside out clean
I embrace sustainable options in the kitchen where possible, and this is an easy way to help my freshly baked loaves of bread last longer. Stop wrapping your artisan bread in plastic and keep your bread soft with the help of this linen bread bag lined with beeswax.
