Banana bread is a quintessential family favorite; without fail, it lights up a smile on our faces. However, storing banana bread can be pretty tricky as it is not as straightforward as other loaves, as it contains fruit (banana, obviously). As such, how long does banana bread last?
Banana bread’s shelf life can last from a day to a couple of weeks. Homemade banana bread can stay fresh for 3-5 days at room temperature and around 7 days in the fridge.
Learning about the shelf life of banana bread can get interesting quickly. In this article, we will talk about the shelf life of different types of banana bread, the methods of storing it, and the signs that your bread may be going bad.
A Question Of Variability
The question of how long banana bread lasts is quite simple, but the answer is somewhat on the complex end of the spectrum. Simply put, there is no one answer, but rather, we can give specific estimates based on the given context.
Typically, bread freshly made from home can last 3 to 7 days, depending on the amount of moisture and the storage conditions. Of course, one must know that fresh and edible are two different things. While banana bread can remain edible for an extended period, the flavor may not stay as good.
However, not all banana bread stays the same. There are critical variables that you will need to consider. Below, we list a few variables that can make your banana bread spoil faster.
Why Does My Banana Bread Easily Spoil?
Temperature
High temperatures can speed up spoiling speed. An unspoken rule in food science is that “the higher the temperature gets, the faster food will deteriorate.” The spoiling rate doubles for every 18°F increase in temperature compared to the range where one typically handles banana bread (50°F to 100°F). (source)
The Right Storage Container
Are you storing your banana bread properly? Clearly, if you just leave it on the counter, it will dry out and go bad very fast. For your bread to last, it is key that it is stored in an air-tight container, Ziploc bag, or foil.
Store-Bought vs Homemade
You can find many different banana bread recipes on the Internet. And depending on which one you choose, your bread will end up more or less moist. I.e. are you using mashed or unmashed bananas? The more moist your bread is, the easier it will go bad if handled incorrectly.
When it comes to store-bought banana bread, look for any guidelines on the package. Most of the time you will handle it the same way as homemade bread, but just to be on the safe side, check the package.
How To Store Banana Bread
Now that we have learned about the shelf life of banana bread in different contexts, let us talk about the methods of preserving it. It is integral to properly store your bread to delay the spoiling process, as a loaf can spoil within 24 hours if not stored properly.
So, what are the techniques for storing banana bread? Below are ideas for storing.
Foil, Ziplock or Air-tight container
Foil
Foil wrapper is a lifesaver in limiting contamination. For both slices and loaves, double cover them with foil to determine contamination points. Understandably, smaller pieces use up much more foil compared to loaves.
Ziploc Bag
Whether stored at room temperature or in freezers, Ziplocs will help retain some freshness to your banana bread. Ziplocs isolate your bread from the rest of the elements in your freezer or refrigerator. When not stored in Ziplocs, your banana bread can have the scents and flavors of other things in your freezer stuck to the crust (i.e., meats, fish, and other pungent items). Moreover, it can also influence other food in the refrigerator if it is too intense.
Air-tight Container
Air-tight containers are good alternatives to Ziplocs. They work the same way as Ziplocs, helping keep your banana bread fresh.
Store In Loaves
If possible, store your banana bread in loaves to limit the exposure points. Slicing it exposes a considerable portion of the bread, increasing the risk of contamination. However, understandably, loaves are harder to store.
Room Temperature vs. Refrigerating vs. Freezing
While room temperature bread can last, at best, seven days, refrigerated bread can last a bit more. On the other hand, frozen banana bread can last up to a month – and probably longer! (source).
Room Temperature
When you store your bread at room temperature, make sure you store it in a place that is as dry and cool as possible. Again – use foil, Ziplocs, or air-tight containers.
Refrigerating
The rate of the spoiling of banana bread drastically decreases when stored in cool conditions. Consider refrigerating your bread if you plan on munching your bread within 7-10 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is the way to go. Now, we never freeze our banana bread for more than 2-3 weeks. But it´s probably no problem to freeze it even longer. When you defrost your bread, put it in the fridge overnight, this will help keep moist in the bread.
Is My Banana Bread Bad?
There are a few ways to tell that your banana bread is going bad.
- Mold: The most obvious trick is to check for molds. If your bread has molded, then it’s a no-go from there on. Simply through it out!
Molds can manifest way before they are visible. This statement means that before you can see molds, they are already sprouting, alive, and forming colonies. Not only can some species make you sick, but all mold also makes your bread taste horrible. - Smell: A funny smell is also a good sign that your bread has gone bad. Bin it!
- Hard: If you haven´t stored your banana bread properly it will turn dry and hard. As long as there is no mold or it smells bad, you can still eat it, but it will not taste as good as a fresh bread. We would bin it!
- Taste: So, you haven’t found mold, it does not smell bad or funny and it´s not hard as stone! And yet it doesn´t taste right. Safe to say – through it out!
Summary
How long does banana bread last? Banana bread can typically stay edible for up to one week at room temperature and a bit longer if refrigerated. However, heat, bacterial presence, and freshness can affect the shelf life of your bread.
Storing banana bread is easy. Place it in foil, double wrap it, and store it in a Ziploc. For room temperature storage, place it in a cool and dry spot.
Ready to make your own delicious banana bread? Check out our Fit For King – Super Moist Banana Bread recipe!
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