What happens to bread that makes it go stale?

  • Thread starter Thread starter wasteofo2
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of bread going stale, particularly focusing on the processes that contribute to changes in texture and taste when bread is left out at room temperature. Participants explore factors such as evaporation and microbial activity, while also considering practical implications and remedies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that evaporation is a key factor in bread becoming hard and unpalatable after being left out.
  • Another participant questions whether microbial activity contributes to the staleness of bread, suggesting that the time frame is too short for significant microbial growth.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that while microbial populations may increase with time, the primary reason for the bread's toughness is evaporation, particularly when comparing bread stored in a bag versus left out.
  • One participant asserts that spoilage organisms typically require longer periods (24 to 48 hours for bacteria, 3 to 4 days for fungi) to affect bread at room temperature, indicating that staleness does not equate to spoilage.
  • A suggestion is made that warming or toasting the bread can improve its taste after it has gone stale.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of microbial activity in the staling process, with some emphasizing evaporation as the primary factor and others suggesting that microbial growth could play a role, albeit over a longer time frame. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent of microbial influence.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the time frame of three hours may not be sufficient for significant microbial activity to occur, but the exact conditions and definitions of staleness versus spoilage are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those curious about food science, particularly the processes affecting bread storage and quality, as well as practical tips for maintaining bread freshness.

wasteofo2
Messages
477
Reaction score
2
I accidentally left some italian bread out on the counter after eating it with some soup, and about 3 hours later it was hard and horrible tasting, what actually happened?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
In a word...evaporation.
 
Is that really it? No microbes or anything that eat something in the bread?
 
Well anytime you leave any sort of sugar source out at room temp, you up the odds of having an escalation of the resident microbial population. However given the amount of time you are talking, the reason it is tought is because there is also evaporation at work.

Try this. Get the same type of bread (2 pieces...same size) you had the other night. Leave one on the counter for three hours in the bag and leave the other out of the bag as before. What you should notice is that the one left in the bag will be softer. As far as microbes go, the odds are that there is nothing there that poses a threat on bread in the span of three hours at room temperature, though Ian may be able to think of something I am missing.
 
As far as I known, no bacteria grow that fast at room temperature. To get spoilage you would need about about 24 to 48 hours to spoil bread at room temperature. For fungi, it would be 3 to 4 days. Spoilage organism are usually not harmfull for your health but the presence of spoilage is usually a sign of that the food will become a health hazard.
 
You can warm the bread in the oven for a few minutes it will taste much better again, or just toast it :D
 

Similar threads

Why Does My Sourdough Taste Like Onions?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
Ground coffee freshness question
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
What went wrong with my vegetable soup?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
54K
Can You Become Immune to Mosquito Bites?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Increase in radiation from radium pocket watch hands
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Could my DNA results reveal surprising ancestry connections?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Medical Parasites in Food: What You Need to Know
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
13K
What are the mechanisms of immune response after Covid vaccination?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Temperature Change -- How fast does bread cool to room temperature?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Sad adieu to Botanic Man, David Bellamy
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K