How long does Ezekiel bread last? Can Ezekiel bread go bad? Is Ezekiel bread healthy? Let us find answers to these and other questions related to Ezekiel bread in our detailed guide.
Bread has become a kitchen staple around the globe. You won’t find any home that does not have bread. It owes its massive popularity to its versatility and ease of use. You can make many dishes using the bread and both children and adults love to eat it.
Is Ezekiel Bread Healthy?
There are thousands of bread brands. However, you should only choose healthy options such as the Ezekiel bread. Made of germinated legumes and whole grains, it is a type of sprouted bread.
The recipe for bread dates back to thousands of years. It is found in the Book of Ezekiel and that is why the bread is known as the Ezekiel bread. It offers a lot of health benefits. It contains minerals and vitamins like calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. It is also rich in nutrients like fiber and protein. Similarly, it is quite low in sodium and therefore, a great option for people with high blood pressure and chronic kidney diseases. You can even choose from sodium-free versions and reduce your salt intake while eating bread.
How Long Does Ezekiel Bread Last?
Ezekiel bread just like other breads can be unpredictable. You may leave it perfectly fresh overnight but it may develop mold in the morning. Similarly, expiration dates are also different depending on the manufacturers.
The expiry date mentioned on the packing is usually a best-before date. You must check this date before you buy or consume your bread.
You may also be wondering how long does Ezekiel bread last at room temperature. Food for Life, one of the manufacturers of Ezekiel bread, suggests keeping the bread at room temperature for 5 days at most. You must eat it within this period or refrigerate it if you want to store it longer.
How Long Does Ezekiel Bread Last in the Fridge?
Food for Life also recommends storing Ezekiel bread in the fridge for up to two weeks only. However, it can last longer, even for months if you store it properly. For example, you must always put it in an airtight bag.
You must only take the bread in smaller portions from the fridge. Also, put the remaining bread back in the fridge as soon as possible. It ensures the bread stays fresh for a long time.
How Long Does Ezekiel Bread Last in the Freezer?
Ezekiel bread has a shorter shelf-life compared to other breads. However, one way of maximizing its life is freezing. It is an excellent option because the bread is devoid of preservatives. Therefore, it freezes beautifully for up to 12 months.
As a result, the bread does not spoil and remains fresh to eat. This is also why manufacturers mostly sell Ezekiel bread frozen.
The texture and taste of most foods can decline because of freezing. This is also the case with Ezekiel bread. However, you can restore its natural qualities just by heating it. Therefore, you should freeze your Ezekiel bread without any concerns. It will only increase its life without doing any harm.
How to Thaw Ezekiel Bread?
You simply have to take the bread out of the freezer and put it on the countertop. However, keep it in its wrapper or bag. Thawing the bread in the freezer will result in quick staling and therefore, you should avoid it.
A single loaf will take up to 16 hours to thaw at room temperature. It also depends on the density and size of the loaf.
Can you toast Ezekiel bread from frozen as well? Yes, you can by placing frozen loaves in a toaster oven or a toaster. Keep toasting them until the slices crisp to your desired level.
Does Ezekiel Bread Go Bad?
Yes, Ezekiel bread does go bad. It will eventually spoil if you do not store it properly or leave it at room temperature for more than 5 days. Similarly, do not place it in a moist place or direct contact with sunlight.
There are many telltale signs of bad bread. Ezekiel bread has a long life when frozen but goes bad quite quickly at room temperature. One of the biggest indications of spoiled bread is the development of mold. You should throw it away if you spot mold on the bread.
Fresh bread has a sweet smell. Therefore, you should not consume the bread if it has a bad or foul smell. Similarly, it will have a sour taste when you try to eat it.
Another sign of bad Ezekiel bread is the change in texture. Spoiled bread becomes hard and also changes in color. Therefore, you can easily find if it has gone bad by touching the bread.
How to Store Ezekiel Bread?
Storing Ezekiel bread properly can considerably increase its life. The following lines explain the proper storage of the bread.
Store in Airtight Bags
First of all, you should store the bread in an airtight bag or container. It is to prevent moisture from reaching the bread. Moisture is the biggest nemesis of all foods even if they are refrigerated or frozen. Therefore, using airtight bags keeps moisture at bay, prolonging the bread’s life. Alternatively, you can also use foil to pack the bread.
Store in Smaller Portions
It is also better to store in smaller portions. It enables you to remove the amount of bread that you want to eat. Keep in mind taking bread in and out of the fridge frequently, will have adverse effects on its quality, taste, and texture even if it does not go bad.
Store in Individual Slices
It is even better to store the bread in individual slices. It will enable you to thaw or defrost only the number of slices you need to consume. The remaining slices can remain in the fridge without having any effect on their taste and texture.
Keep Away from Other Foods
Put the bread in the back part of the fridge away from other foods. Bread can absorb odor and moisture from other foods, significantly affecting its taste or even expediting the process of spoilage. It will at least change the taste of the bread.
Also Read: How To Tell If Carrots Are Bad?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you keep Ezekiel bread in the fridge?
Ezekiel bread only survives for 5 days at room temperature. Refrigerating it will keep it fresh for two weeks. Similarly, you can use it for up to a year if you put the bread in the freezer.
Does sprouted bread go bad?
Sprouted breads such as Ezekiel bread can easily go bad as compared to chemically produced bread. Sprouted breads lack preservatives and therefore can spoil quite quickly. Depending on how early you want to consume the bread, there are different storage options such as refrigerating and freezing.
Does Ezekiel bread mold fast?
As mentioned above, Ezekiel bread does not have food preservatives. As a result, it tends to develop mold quickly compared to other types of breads. Mold appearing on bread is not as harmful to health as others. However, they might produce mycotoxins under certain conditions.
Can I defrost Ezekiel bread?
Yes, you can defrost Ezekiel bread quite easily. Take it out of the fridge, still in its wrapper, and put it on the countertop. A loaf of bread takes roughly 16 hours to fully defrost depending on its size and density. Never defrost Ezekiel bread in the fridge as it can spoil quickly.
Does Ezekiel bread have gluten?
Technically, Ezekiel bread is made without a floor. However, it still has some levels of gluten. Therefore, you should not eat it if you have an intolerance to gluten or celiac disease. You should go for other gluten-free breads.
Final Thoughts
Now, you know how long does Ezekiel bread last unopened and in the fridge. Ezekiel bread is a delicious, versatile, and healthy type of bread. It has a comparatively shorter shelf life of 5 days. You can keep it fresh for up to 1 year through freezing. However, always store it properly otherwise it can go bad in the freezer as well.