Does mold grow better on fresh bread or old bread?

* Moisture: Fresh bread has a higher moisture content than older bread. While mold needs moisture to grow, too much of it can actually inhibit its growth. As bread ages, it dries out, becoming a more hospitable environment for mold.

* Sugars: Bread contains sugars that mold feeds on. As bread ages, these sugars become more concentrated, providing a more potent food source for mold.

* Starch: As bread ages, starch breaks down into simpler sugars that are easier for mold to digest.

* Surface area: Old bread often has more cracks and crevices, providing a larger surface area for mold to colonize.

However, it's important to note that mold can still grow on fresh bread, just at a slower rate. Mold spores are everywhere in the air, and if they land on a piece of bread, they will eventually start to grow.

To prevent mold growth, store bread in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container. You can also freeze bread to extend its shelf life.