THE FRESH-BREAD GUIDE

➤ Keep bakery loaves in their brown bag – paper absorbs moisture.

➤ Shop-bought loaves are best kept in their plastic bags tightly wrapped – and never in the fridge. ➤ If you know you won’t be getting through a whole loaf quickly, freeze half on the day of purchase. It will be perfect for toasting.

➤ Don’t bin stale bread: splash with water and heat in the oven for five minutes. It will taste good as new!

➤ Alternatively, whizz into breadcrumbs and freeze to use as toppings on your pasta bakes and gratins.