Source of the note: http://bit.ly/1GO1qBS Bread is one of the fundamental foods in our diet. Just remembering its importance in sacred and ancient texts, we can imagine how much it has been a pillar of nutrition since ancient times. Along with wine and oil, it is perhaps one of the oldest processed foods in human history, as it comes from the use of grains. Just like the tortilla, most Mexicans can hardly conceive of a meal that doesn’t include its company. But what can we do when it hardens? Don’t throw it away, keep reading and you will surely find multiple uses that will surprise you.

Revive it. How many times have you made a meal and have enough bread left for several weeks? The downside of this situation is that you probably won’t have time to consume it before it spoils or hardens. The solution is very simple: moisten it with a little water, then heat it in the oven for three minutes. The result: fresh bread ready to eat.
Add texture. Yes, you read that right. Stale bread can make a soup, for example, thicker, and it enhances its flavors. You just need to add a slice to your preparation. You will also enjoy all the nutritional benefits it can provide in a dish that would otherwise be conventional.
Make croutons. Those delicious little cubes that we often add to Caesar salad or tomato soup, for example, are easy to prepare. Croutons or croûtons, in French, come from stale bread. The first thing you need to do is cut it into cubes and put them in a bowl. Then add ingredients, from Parmesan cheese, olive oil, or butter, to spices like pepper, parsley, and other herbs you like. Mix them well. Place them on a tray and bake at 160ºC until crispy. Let them cool.
Make breadcrumbs. It’s very simple and can be used in multiple recipes for breading. First, cut it into slices and toast them in the oven. Then use a food processor (if you don’t have one, a blender can work just as well)… and you’re done. The best part is that it can last up to six months if stored in an airtight jar.
Use it as fertilizer. Believe it or not, bread can provide various nutrients to your plants and become an excellent ally in gardening. In fact, it contains B vitamins (especially B1, B6), folates, and niacin, which are also very beneficial for health. The process is simple; just heat it in the oven until completely dried out. Crush it with your hands to get small crumbs and mix them with the soil. Your plants will enjoy the benefits of a nutrient-rich substrate.

These are just a few ideas for using old bread. Bet you never thought of turning it into a treat for some pets; it can also help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh, and many recipes are based on old bread, for example, a delicious bread pudding. In upcoming posts, we will delve more into these uses. Do you have any recommendations?

Ideas for reusing stale bread (The idea is to put a slice of bread with arrows pointing to its different uses, illustrating how it transforms.)

Revive it
Add texture to your recipes
Make croutons
Make breadcrumbs
Use it as fertilizer

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Did you know that…

Bread contains very little fat
Provides energy
Offers vitamins and minerals
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Mexico is recognized as one of the countries with the greatest variety of bread