I discovered some bread past its prime in the pantry. My mother-in-law says it’s wasteful to throw it away, yet it doesn’t look good. How should I handle this?

Homemade Breadcrumbs: Grind stale bread and store in an airtight container for future use.

Croutons: Cube the bread, toss with oil and seasonings, and bake until crispy. Perfect for salads and soups.

Nutritional Value Remains
Stale bread keeps most of its nutrients. Carbs, fiber, and vitamins remain intact. Enriched bread may lose some added nutrients over time. The main change is texture, which can affect enjoyment rather than nutrition.

How to Store Bread Properly
Proper storage slows staleness:

Keep bread in a cool, dry place, preferably in a bread box or paper bag.

Avoid the fridge; it speeds up staleness.

Freeze excess bread in foil or plastic wrap, and thaw at room temperature or toast directly.

When Bread Should Be Discarded
Discard bread if:

Mold appears, or it smells off.

It’s extremely hard or unpleasant to eat.

Prioritize safety and quality over saving every slice.

Cultural Views on Stale Bread
Some cultures embrace using stale bread creatively. For example: