Bagels are a type of bread that originated in the Jewish communities of Poland and Russia.
They are made with flour, yeast, salt, malt syrup or sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil.
Bagel shapes can vary from circular to elongated to braided.
They can be eaten as an on-the-go breakfast or for lunch too.
In this blog post, we will discuss how long do bagels last when appropriately stored?
What are Bagels?
The dough is boiled and then left to rise before it’s baked in an oven.
The result is a round bread that resembles a soft pretzel, but with the added hole on top of its shape, which can be filled with many things, including cream cheese or butter for flavor and additional topping.
There are also flavored bagels like sesame seed, poppyseed, onion, or salt, which you can get from most bakeries these days – plus they’re not hard to make at home.
A typical bagel weighs about four ounces and has approximately 170 calories per serving size of the one-half-inch thick slice.
It’s considered more nutritious than refined white bread because it contains dietary fiber and protein.
You can find bagels in most grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants.
How to Store Bagels?
What are the best ways to store bagels?
If you want to get the most taste out of your bagels, then make sure to store them in an airtight container and place it in a dark area with cool temperatures, such as a pantry or refrigerator.
You’ll want to keep them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and either frozen or refrigerated.
Make sure they’re not exposed to too much heat since it will dry out their surface.
They should also be kept away from other items with strong odors like garlic and onion to avoid flavor transfer.
This is especially true if you plan on storing more extended than a day or two.
If you need your entire supply of bagels frozen, freeze the dough as well.
When ready to eat them, remove them from the freezer, thaw, and reheat for about 15 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees.
How Long Do Bagels Last?
The answer to that question is not as simple as you may think.
It all depends on the type of bagel and how it is stored.
When trying to figure out how long a particular kind of bagel lasts, the first thing to consider is what type it is.
A fresh-baked New York-style bagel will last for about two days, while an old-fashioned Montreal-style doughy roll can be kept at room temperature for up to five days or in the fridge for up to seven days before mold starts growing on its surface.
On the other hand, if you live in warmer climates like California, a day-old Montreal-style doughy roll should be tossed after just one day because it will get too soft and mushy.
In general, bagels meant to be eaten fresh are best enjoyed on the day they were baked, while bagels that can last at room temperature for four days should be stored tightly wrapped at room temperature.
When they’re first bought, bagels that are crisper and have more airy or fluffy textures will keep longer than those with a denser chewier consistency.
Keep your bagel’s moisture content intact by storing it properly: put them in plastic bags, and don’t leave any humidity from either heat or cold.
Always keep them away from direct sunlight – light exposure causes bread products to go stale faster.
How to Tell if Bagels are Bad?
It’s important to know when to toss your bagels because of the risk of bacteria growth.
Many things can limit how long a bagel lasts, including improper storage or expiration dates.
You’re on the right track if you’ve noticed white spots and mold growing on your bagels.
This indicates they have been exposed to moisture for too long without proper storage or refrigeration in between uses.
The one exception would be rye bread; these typically do not have preservatives, so they don’t last as long as other bread-like wheat.
Poor quality bagels do not have the same texture as high-quality ones.
If it’s too dense or dry, that is a good sign that the bread has gone bad, and you should toss it in the garbage.
When trying to tell if your bagel is fresh, give it a whiff.
The doughy smell of yeast indicates that there are still active ingredients inside while anything else isn’t necessary for ingestion.
You can also tap on the outside crust; if it sounds hollow, then this means that this particular piece was recently baked but might be stale because they were sitting around for a while before being sold off.
As long as you follow these steps, it would be best to tell when your bagels have gone bad and need to be tossed in the garbage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bagels are great for breakfast and can last at least five days without going bad.
If you’d like to store them for any length of time longer than five days, it is best to freeze them.
Make sure to follow these instructions to keep your bagels fresh.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can I store a bagel?
A plain, sealed bagel will stay fresh for up to four days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. If you freeze it, it will last even longer — up to two months. However, if your bagel has any type of filling or topping, such as peanut butter, cream cheese or jam, it will not last as long and should be eaten within two to three days.
What is the best way to store bagels?
It is best to store plain, sealed bagels in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you are not going to eat the bagel within a few days, it is best to freeze it. When freezing, wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag.
Can I freeze already cut and/or toasted bagels?
Yes, you can freeze already cut and/or toasted bagels. However, it is best if you freeze them before they are cut and/or toasted for the best results. To freeze, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. When you want to eat the frozen bagel, let it thaw for a few hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Then, you can toast or heat it up for a fresh out-of-the-oven taste.
How Long Do Bagels Last? Do Bagels Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Bagels
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
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