Wed Aug 13 00:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided information, presented as it might appear on The Hindu’s website, along with a brief summary:

**Summary:**

A science brief from The Hindu explains that bread stales primarily due to starch retrogradation (recrystallization of starch molecules), not just moisture loss. Refrigeration accelerates this process. The best way to keep bread fresh is to store it at room temperature or freeze it to slow down the molecular changes. This is distinct from mould growth.

**News Article:**

**Science Explains: Why Your Bread Goes Stale Faster in the Fridge (And How to Stop It)**

**Updated: August 13, 2025, 09:48 AM IST**
**Published: August 13, 2025, 06:00 AM IST**

**NEW DELHI:** Many households store bread in the refrigerator to keep it fresh, but new analysis reveals this common practice may actually be accelerating the staling process. According to research detailed by The Hindu, bread’s decline in quality isn’t primarily due to drying out but to a scientific process called starch retrogradation.

When bread is baked, starch molecules in the flour absorb water and swell, creating a soft texture. However, as the bread cools, these molecules slowly recrystallize. This crystallization forces water out, making the bread crumb firm and unappetizing.

“The surprising thing is that this staling can happen even if the moisture content remains relatively unchanged,” explains [The Hindu Science Team]. “In fact, refrigeration speeds up starch crystallization, leading to faster staling.”

Bakers recommend storing bread at room temperature or, even better, freezing it. Freezing significantly slows down molecular movement, thus halting retrogradation until the bread is thawed.

It’s important to differentiate between staling and mould growth. Staling refers to the textural change due to starch recrystallization, while mould is caused by fungal spores, typically in warm and humid environments.

By understanding the science behind staling, consumers can preserve their bread for longer. Freezing leftover slices and toasting them when needed is a simple way to avoid the disappointment of stale bread.

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