It’s a quiet Sunday morning, and as you reach into your pantry or refrigerator for a slice of your favorite Ezekiel bread. Then you notice that it’s been there for a while.
Is it still good?
How long has this bread been here, anyway?
How Long Does Ezekiel Bread Last?
Typically, when stored in the refrigerator, Ezekiel bread can last up to 10 days. However, if you keep it in the pantry at room temperature, it’s best consumed within 4 to 5 days.
If kept frozen, Ezekiel Bread can last up to 12 months.
If you’re not planning on eating your Ezekiel bread right away, consider storing it in the freezer.
Ezekiel bread, unlike many other commercially available breads, is made from freshly sprouted grains and legumes.
This unique composition means it doesn’t have the preservatives that give most store-bought bread a longer shelf life.
How To Tell If Ezekiel Bread Has Gone Bad
Being vigilant about the freshness of your Ezekiel bread is essential. Here are some telltale signs that your bread might have passed its prime:
- Mold Growth: This is the most obvious sign. Mold can appear as green, white, or even black spots on the surface or inside the bread.
- Unpleasant Smell: Fresh Ezekiel bread has a distinct wholesome aroma. If it starts to emit a sour or off-putting smell, it’s a sign that it’s going bad.
- Stale Texture: If the bread feels tough, dry, or crumbly, it’s probably stale. While it might not be unsafe to eat, it won’t be as enjoyable.
- Changes in Taste: If the bread tastes sour or different from when it was fresh, it’s best to discard it.
How to Store Ezekiel Bread
To ensure that your Ezekiel bread remains fresh for as long as possible, follow these storage recommendations:
- Refrigerate: As mentioned, the refrigerator is your best bet for medium-term storage. Place the bread in its original packaging or in a plastic bag with the air squeezed out.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you’ve bought your bread in bulk or simply can’t finish it within a week, consider freezing it. It’s a good idea to slice the bread before freezing so you can easily take out only what you need.
- Avoid Humid Areas: If you’re storing your bread in the pantry, ensure the area is cool and dry. Humidity is a primary factor in mold growth.
- Seal Properly: Whether in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer, ensure that the bread is sealed tightly to prevent exposure to air and contaminants.
Where is the expiration date on Ezekiel bread?
Ezekiel bread, like most commercial bread products, typically has an expiration date or “best by” date printed on the packaging. Here’s how you can locate it:
- Packaging Seal: Often, the expiration date is printed on the plastic seal that you twist or clip to keep the bread bag closed. It might be stamped in ink.
- Back or Bottom of the Bag: Check the backside of the bread bag or the bottom. Manufacturers sometimes print the date here.
- Label or Sticker: Some manufacturers use a sticker or label on the packaging, especially if the bread is sold in a box or a more rigid package than a plastic bag.
- Inside Flap: Occasionally, the date might be printed on the inside flap of the bread bag.
If you can’t find the date or if it’s smudged and unreadable, it’s a good practice to write the purchase date on the bag with a permanent marker when you first buy it. Given the shorter shelf life of Ezekiel bread compared to other bread due to its lack of preservatives, this can help you keep track of its freshness. Always remember to store the bread properly and check for signs of spoilage before consumption.
Tips on Consuming Ezekiel Bread
Ezekiel bread offers a range of nutritional benefits due to its sprouted grains and legumes. According to Healthline it is the best bread you can eat.
However, like all natural products, it has a limited shelf life.
Consuming bread past its prime not only deprives you of its best taste but also exposes you to potential health risks like foodborne illnesses from mold.
On the other hand, with proper storage, you can enjoy this wholesome bread for longer without worry.
The key is always to be attentive to signs of spoilage and prioritize your health over the desire not to waste food. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.