Frequent campers should know that keeping bread fresh when camping is one of the hardest tasks. In general, keeping food fresh and cold when camping is hard, but bread is one of the hardest items.
To properly keep bread fresh while camping, you will need to follow some basic steps that we have discovered. Most of the steps we will be mentioning are simple and straightforward.
One of the key issues in keeping bread fresh when camping is that it becomes stale or moldy really quickly. Both are bad for bread, but one is worse than the other. To properly keep bread fresh, you will need to know the difference.
Difference between moldy and stale bread
As I said above, there is a difference between moldy bread and stale bread, which is important. Simply put, moldy bread is bread that has mold or fungi growing on it. While stale bread is the bread that’s not fresh anymore.
Most bread gets stale within five to seven days after being made. Stale bread can still be edible if made into croutons or used in another dish. Unlike stale bread, all moldy bread is bad for your health as it can cause several stomach issues.
How to keep bread fresh when camping: 5 best ways
1. Zip locking
This is the best way to keep bread fresh when camping, among all the other methods we tested. Overall this method is simple and gives the longest-lasting results. For this method, you will need some basic things.
Firstly you will need sliced bread, several ziplock bags, and a large plastic bag. The ziplock bags you get need to be good quality and have airtight locks. We favor using the bag the bread came in to be eco-friendly for the large plastic bag.
Firstly, you have to separate the slices into one or two pairs for easier carrying. Secondly, place the pair(s) in the ziplock bags you chose while ensuring a seal of airtight. Finally, put all the ziplocked bags inside the bigger plastic bag and airtight seal it too.
2. Using a breadbox
While our first example was a cheaper but effective method, some might be skeptical. Therefore we have another method that gives great results but requires some money for a special tool; the breadbox.
Most breadboxes are meant for the household; some models help keep bread fresh while camping. Breadboxes do this by providing great ventilation with either tiny holes or slats.
In terms of prices, these breadboxes for camping are between $15 to $50. While the price might seem expensive, it will be a worthwhile investment, especially if you go camping a lot.
3. Storing in a paperbag
Anyone who camps in dry areas might find paperbags better to keep bread fresh while camping. These paper bags will be more affordable for the campers since they have multiple bags instead of just one box.
Like breadboxes, the bags have different methods of ventilation that keep the bread fresh when camping. But the main problem is that a breadbox has less durability since it’s made using paper.
4. Using foil wrap
Some campers are all about being one with nature and for those people using either plastic, wood, or tin. Since they wish to be more eco-friendly, they will be looking for options that do less environmental damage.
Therefore using foil will be a better alternative. It’s a better alternative since you can reuse a single sheet of foil multiple times.
5. Use reusable breadbags
Using reusable breadbags is another get option for eco-friendly campers since they are reusable. One of their top features is that these are machine washable and can be put in freezers.
The material used to make these are quite durable, unlike paper bags, so you can be rough with them. Additionally, the reusable breadbags are breathable as well. Thus it keeps the bread cool and dry.
Tips on how to keep bread fresh when camping
1. Avoid direct sunlight when camping
One of the key tips to keep bread fresh when camping is to keep the bread away from direct sunlight. This is done to not dry out the bread too fast. If that happens, the bread will go stale quickly.
Another issue with any bread getting too much sunlight is that the internal temperature of the bread will rise too much. An increase in internal temperature will cause bacteria and mold to grow inside.
Therefore you will need to keep your bread away from direct sunlight and cover it up. The same is true if you heat a tent because the temperature will be too high and damage your bread.
2. Bread type matters when camping
Different bread types use varying ingredients, which will keep it fresh for different amounts of time. For example, since white bread uses more sugar, it becomes moldy faster than others.
Therefore remember where you are going for camp and its environment when buying bread.
3. Keep the bread cool & dry when camping
Like direct sunlight, refrigerators and low temperatures can also cause the bread to not stay fresh for too long. In fact, a decrease in temperature will cause the bread to dry out at an increased pace.
So when you are out camping, remember to not put the bread into a cooler instead, keep it somewhere cool and dry. The ideal temperature for most store bought bread is said to be around 68℉(20℃). If you insulate your tent for summer it will help with storing the bread.
4. Only open the bag when needed
As you might have read above, you need to keep the bread storage sealed airtight to help keep bread fresh when camping. Therefore only open the bread when you need it or when you will eat it.
5. Packaged bread is better for when camping
Compared to other artisan loaves of bread, packaged bread is better because of the preservatives added. These added preservatives allow the bread to stay fresh longer and in different areas.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
It is usually preferable to keep the bread fresh when camping by putting it inside an airtight container. Most airtight containers, such as portable breadboxes, will cost around $15 to $50.
You shouldn’t make fresh bread and bring it when camping. While these bread will taste amazing, they won’t last too long outdoors. When camping, you should use good quality prepackaged bread from convenience stores.
You shouldn’t be eating stale bread in most cases, but you can use them in cooking or turning them into another dish. One of our personal recommendations for stale bread is to turn them into garlic croutons.
Yes, moldy bread is terrible for everyone since the mold or bacteria in the bread can cause severe stomach issues.
Conclusion
Those of you going outdoors in the foreseeable future should now know how to keep bread fresh when camping. If you follow any of the above mentioned methods for keeping bread fresh while camping, you should be golden.
We ensured all of our methods were simple and straightforward for the most part and required nothing too complicated. These methods will also be of use when you fly with camping gear for whatever reason.