It's Not Just Drying Out

Stale bread isn't just dried out. Here is what's really happening, and how to bring a loaf back to life.

Most people think bread goes stale because it dries out. That is only part of the story.

The main reason bread turns hard is a change in the starch inside it.

When bread bakes, the starch soaks up water and softens. That is what makes fresh bread soft and springy.

As bread cools and sits, the starch slowly hardens again, pushing water out and turning the crumb firm and crumbly.

Keep reading: there are 4 more chapters

Next: Why the Fridge Is the Worst Place for Bread

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