If you have recently started to use healthier whole grain Ezekiel bread, you might be looking for ways to increase its shelf life. Stocking up your favorite product in the freezer seems hassle-free, but it does come with some problems.
After thawing the Ezekiel bread, you may feel tormented about what to do with the leftover. Can you consider refreezing the sprouted bread? Or is there any other alternative?
It is possible to refreeze Ezekiel bread, but it is not an ideal option. Freezing the bread again can alter its taste and texture, nowhere near the original freshness. But, it is still safe and edible without any risk of side effects. Do refreeze the bread in vacuum-sealed bags for better results.
Switching from white bread to Ezekiel bread is a healthy choice to make. And another good thing about sprouted whole grain bread is that it doesn’t perish as quickly. With some precautionary steps, you can make it last for many months. Find more in the article!
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Should You Refreeze Ezekiel Bread?
As many of us are turning more towards healthy eating, Ezekiel bread is gaining significant popularity. It is a kind of sprouted whole grains bread that is much more nutrient and fiber dense than white bread.
While there is no doubt that Ezekiel bread is healthier, one of the most common queries people have about it is whether they can freeze it and then refreeze it. The answer lies in how you initially froze the Ezekiel bread.
1. Sealed packaging
If you froze the Ezekiel bread in sealed packaging, you might consider freezing it again. It is because the chances of air contamination this way are minimal, and the bread will most likely remain edible even after refreezing.
2. Absent packaging
If you took the Ezekiel bread out of the packaging and thawed it, refreezing it won’t give satisfactory results. The bread will not taste as fresh and delicious after the second round of freezing and thawing.
Ideally, it is not suggested to refreeze Ezekiel bread as it will affect the quality one way or another. However, if you still want to go ahead with it, toast your thawed bread before eating for the best taste experience.
How Can You Properly Refreeze Ezekiel Bread?
Refreezing can be a complicated process. But if you follow the precautionary steps listed below, you can achieve your desired results. Let’s take a glance at them!
- If the original packaging of the Ezekiel bread is still intact and unopened, you can place the bread directly inside the freezer. The packaging is enough to keep it protected from the harsh freezer environment.
- For the bread that has been taken out from the packaging, you can store it in an air-tight container or a vacuum-sealed bag.
- The safety packaging will help prevent oxidation and bacterial growth, resulting in early bread spoilage.
- Also, when planning to refreeze Ezekiel bread, ensure it doesn’t sit in the open environment for too long after thawing.
- If you leave the bread at room temperature for more than two hours, it is at a high risk of bacterial contamination. So, refreezing it afterward is of no significant benefit.
- Moreover, always store the Ezekiel bread in the darkest and coolest area of the freezer, such as the back or bottom.
- Lastly, label the safety bag/container with the date of refreezing and let the bread freezer for as long as you prefer.
How Long Does Ezekiel Bread Last In The Freezer After Refreezing?
As Ezekiel bread is organic, sprouted grain bread, it has a longer shelf life than most traditional bread varieties. If you follow all the refreezing steps correctly and keep the Ezekiel bread in proper packaging, it will remain refrozen for up to three months.
Although the bread is sold at room temperature in stores, the best way to keep it lasting is to keep it in the freezer. However, you must know that repeated freezing and thawing can alter the overall taste and texture of the Ezekiel bread, so don’t expect it to be the same as it was when fresh.
But, still, the bread is safe and edible without any risk of health attached. Also, there are so many different ways in which you can utilize the frozen and thawed Ezekiel bread, hardly noticing the changes it underwent.
Try This Alternative To Avoid Refreezing Ezekiel Bread
Nobody likes wasting their food! Although freezing and refreezing seem the most convenient option to prevent food wastage and increase the life span of edible products, it has certain limitations.
The most common issue with refreezing is the decrease in food quality. The same is true in the case of Ezekiel bread as well. The altered taste and texture might not be the most enjoyable experience for you because none of us prefer soggy bread. So, what should you do to avoid this from happening?
A great option is to freeze the Ezekiel bread in separate meal-size batches. Through this step, you won’t have to thaw and freeze the complete loaf whenever you want to eat it. You will only take out and thaw the desired amount, and the rest will remain in the freezer contamination-free.
Can You Refreeze Ezekiel Bread More Than Once?
It is technically possible, but I don’t recommend freezing Ezekiel bread more than once. The reason is apparent- after one round of refreezing, the bread already suffers significantly in terms of taste and quality. Freezing it again will further worsen the quality, and in the end, you won’t even want to eat it.
The best step is to use the Ezekiel bread as soon as possible to enjoy it while it’s fresh. Or, even if you freeze it, go for the separate-batch freezing method to avoid repeated thawing and freezing.
What Is The Best Use Of Refrozen Ezekiel Bread?
As discussed earlier, freezing Ezekiel bread can drastically change the quality. Thus, if you are having a problem eating it afterward, there are a few ways you can try through which you won’t even notice the taste and texture change.
Firstly, I highly suggest toasting the Ezekiel bread before eating. If you don’t own a toaster in your kitchen, you can place it in a preheated oven (325 degrees F) for about twenty to thirty minutes. The time can be more or less depending on the quantity of your Ezekiel bread.
A more creative way to use refrozen Ezekiel bread is to make delicious croutons or stuffing. They are the perfect addition to healthy salads such as Caesar salad that you can enjoy with your family. So, please don’t be hesitant after refreezing the sprouted bread as there is much you can do with it.
