Get the most out of your bread box

A breadbox is a very practical accessory to have in your kitchen. Especially if fresh bread is something that you and your family just can't do without. Bread boxes come's in various shapes, sizes, colors and designs- but they all serve the same function-keeping your bread fresh for a longer period. Getting your bread box to work the way it's meant to, needs a little effort on your part as well. The first step is of course selecting the right kind of bread box for your kitchen. And then using it the appropriate way! That's the only way to ensure that the bread that comes out of your bread box tastes as fresh as the one straight out of the baker's oven.

Buy a bread box at one of the online stores that sells them. The advantage with buying online is that you have a very wide range and several brands of Bread Boxes all in one place to choose from. You can also get user reviews on some of these sites so you know exactly how the product fares after purchase.

If possible, choose a bread box that comes with a flat top. This provides you extra space to store other smaller things on. A bread box with a separate lid provides a very tight seal, so if design is not such a major consideration, opt for a box with a separate lid. One piece boxes sometimes may not close properly all the way and allow air in that can cause the bread to go stale faster.

These days bread boxes come with handy attachments like bread knives and bread boards. Instead of just a box, buy the complete set of these bread boxes. You then have everything you need to slice the bread as soon as you take it out of the bread box. Even if you have to store one loaf of bread on a regular basis, opt for a larger bread box. You will find it very handy to store other bakery products like cakes, muffins and pastries.

Bread boxes without windows work better as they keep out the light an air which can make your bread go stale faster. Prefer the windowless variety to the one with a window. Make sure that your bread box has ventilation holes that help to maintain the requisite amount of moisture in the box, which won't let the bread go dry.

These bread boxes are designed to store bread at room temperature. Make sure you don't place it near any source of heat like you cook top or oven. This will lead to unnecessary heating of the box and premature staleness in your bread. The bread box should be placed on your kitchen counter in a location where all family members can easily access it, even the littlest ones. Make sure wherever it is placed, there is nothing to block the ventilation holes of the box. Bread has to breathe for it to stay fresh and if there's not adequate circulation, you can expect it to go bad much faster.

Before placing the bread in the bread box, make sure you remove all outer covers, packets or bags. The unwrapped breads stay the freshest; their crusts will still be crisp three days later. The breads left in paper bags tend to have soggy, chewy crusts. The bread goes in the breadbox, the wrapping go in the dustbin.

It makes great sense to buy a cutting board that fits perfectly into your bread box. This way you can place the loaf of bread straight onto the cutting board and place both inside the box. This makes slicing quick and easy. Also keep a bread knife in close proximity to your bread box. If you opt for a set that includes a cutting board and knife with the bread box, you the perfect all-in-one solution. Place the bread on the cutting board and then place these inside the breadbox and close it as tightly as possible to seal the box.

Every time you need a few slices, take out the cutting board, slice up as much as you want, brush off the crumbs and then place it back and shut the cover tightly again. The bread will remain fresh for much longer than if you were to place if out in the open or in the refrigerator.

Don't stuff your bread box, however tempting it might be to store all your biscuits, crackers etc in it. Air circulation is the key here, the more you stuff, the less place for the air to circulate freely. By all mean fill it up but never overfill.

A bread box if bought thoughtfully and used sensibly will go a long way in prolonging the life and freshness of your loaf of bread. It is also an interesting addition to your countertop.