Do I Need to Refrigerate Fresh Sprouted Bread?

Q: The Ezekiel bread I had been using is sold frozen, and then you refrigerate it. I have now found a bakery that sells sprouted bread fresh. Should it be refrigerated?

Sent by Sandra

Editor: Sprouted breads, especially when purchased fresh from a bakery, tend to be more susceptible to spoilage because they lack the preservatives found in commercially produced bread. How you store the bread really depends on how quickly you’re going to consume it and how you plan on using it.

Is this bread pre-sliced? Are you going to use it for toast or sandwiches? If the bread is pre-sliced, mostly prepared as toast, or consumed over a longer period of time, then the freezer remains the best place to store the bread. If you plan on consuming the loaf in five days or less, you can probably get away with storing in a bread box or in a sealed paper bag on the counter. The fridge is the last place I’d recommend. While it does work to prevent mold from developing, you run the risk of the bread drying out and staling quickly.

Any sprouted bread fans out there? How do you store it?