How do you know when bread is worse?

Visual:

* Mold: The most obvious sign. Green, white, or black fuzzy patches indicate mold growth.

* Discoloration: The bread may become darker or have brown spots.

* Dryness: The bread may become noticeably dry and crumbly.

Smell:

* Sour or musty: Bread going bad will often have a sour or musty odor.

Taste:

* Sour or bitter: If the bread tastes sour or bitter, it's likely gone bad.

Texture:

* Hard or crumbly: As bread ages, it becomes harder and crumblier.

* Sticky or slimy: This is a sign of spoilage and is not safe to eat.

Other factors:

* Storage: Improper storage (like leaving it out on the counter) can cause bread to spoil faster.

* Date: Check the expiration date on the package, though this is just a guideline.

Important Note: Even if bread doesn't show any visible signs of mold, it may still have developed bacteria that can make you sick. It's always better to err on the side of caution and discard any bread that seems suspect.

Tip: To help bread last longer, store it in the freezer. You can defrost slices as needed.