Pita bread is a unique flatbread that originated in the Mediterranean. This soft, wheat based bread can split open to hold fillings, making it great for sandwiches. It is often used to scoop up hummus and other yummy dips. So, how do you store pita bread for ultimate freshness?
One thing we have noticed about pita bread is that it can dry out fast. Does refrigeration help keep it moist? Does Pita Bread Need to be Refrigerated?The answer may actually be no.
There is nothing worse than dry pita bread that cracks when you try to fill it. We’ve all been there before.
In this article, we will discuss how to best store pita bread for maximum freshness. With the increasing cost of groceries, we know it’s important to maximize the shelf life of your food.
There is plenty of information about food storage available on the internet. Sometimes, the amount of information can be overwhelming. Who do you trust? We have done the digging so that you don’t have to.
Follow along with this article to learn more about the proper storage method for pita bread. Let’s get into it!
Does Pita Bread Need to be Refrigerated?
Pita bread is delicious when it’s fresh. It is versatile. It’s great for snacking, as a base for your sandwich, or a side for your dinner.
The key to quality pita bread is to keep it fresh. When it begins to dry, it loses flavor and easily breaks apart. Have you ever tried to stuff dry pita bread? It’s almost impossible!
When I was traveling, I thought pita bread would be much better for my sandwiches than bread. With the filling stuffed inside, it seemed less messy. However, the pitas were dry and cracked easily, making my sandwich very tough to eat! So frustrating.
The interesting thing about pita bread, and most other bread products, is that storing them in the refrigerator can make them dry out quickly. For this reason, you should not refrigerate your pita bread.
Refrigeration can prevent mold growth, but if you are eating the pitas within a week this shouldn’t be a problem. For best results, keep your pita bread at room temperature and tightly sealed.
Why Does Pita Bread Change In The Refrigerator?
You may be wondering why pita bread dries out so quickly in the refrigerator. This degradation of quality is due to the starch reacting to the change in temperature. The starch recrystallizes in the cold, causing the bread to harden.
Rather than refrigerating your pita bread, you could consider freezing it. If you won’t eat the pitas quickly, freezing will keep them from becoming waste.
Freezing does not have the same effect on the starch. As a rule of thumb, your pita bread should be either kept in the pantry or frozen for later use.
Keep your pita bread fresh. Skip the refrigerator altogether.
What Can I Do to Extend the Shelf Life of My Pita Bread?
You now know that the refrigerator is not the best place for your pita bread. It’s great to know what not to do, but what should you do to ensure your pitas stay fresh?
Knowing the best storage methods will help keep this delicious flatbread enjoyable. No matter what you are using your pita bread for, you want it to be elastic and soft.
There are a few important factors to consider when deciding where to store your pita bread. We will discuss:
- Air exposure
- Temperature
- Time
Air exposure, as with most bread products, can be detrimental to the quality of pita bread. For this reason, it is best to keep it in a tightly sealed package. We want to prevent exposure to air and the elements. The longer your pitas are exposed to air, the faster their quality will degrade.
Temperature is another important factor. We already discussed how the starch in pita bread does not react well to cold temperatures. Keeping your pita bread at room temperature is what we recommend.
Time is an important consideration, as well. How long will it take you to eat your pita bread? If you will not consume it within 3-4 days, you may want to consider freezing some of the pitas.
If you won’t finish the pack within a week, it is essential to freeze your pitas. You can thaw and reheat them as needed.
How Do I Freeze and Reheat My Pita Bread?
One excellent method of preserving your pita bread is freezing it. You can pull one or two rounds out of the freezer when you need them, reheating them as you go!
To freeze pita bread, ensure you have it sealed in a freezer bag. Place a piece of parchment paper between each piece to avoid sticking. To avoid freezer burn, remove the air from the package before freezing.
Freezer burn is the ultimate form of dehydration. This moisture loss will ruin the taste and texture of your beloved pitas!
Reheating pitas is simple. For the best results, be sure to thaw the pitas on the counter before reheating. You can reheat using your:
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Microwave
Keep a close eye on your pita bread when you reheat it. In the oven or on the stovetop, try to avoid over crisping or burning the bread. In the microwave, check your pita bread at regular intervals to avoid it turning rubbery or hard.
The Final Scoop
Pita bread is a favorite food of many cultures. This versatile flatbread is a delicious addition to a variety of dishes.
So, Does Pita Bread Need to be Refrigerated? The verdict is in: your pita bread is best kept at room temperature! Keep your pitas on the counter or in the pantry for best results. A tightly sealed package will help prevent air from wreaking havoc on your fresh pita bread.
If you aren’t using your pita bread in the next few days, you could consider freezing a portion of the package. The same rules apply here – keep the pitas wrapped up tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Now that you know how to properly store your pita bread, you can get cooking! We would love to hear what recipes you have for pita bread. Share your favorites with us so we can try them in our own kitchen!
Up Next: Condiments That Don’t Need To Be Refrigerated! (+ Storage Tips)
