Ask Chef Walter: Mistakes to avoid when buying bread – Chef Walter Potenza

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza

Hello RINT friends:

Carol R. from Marshall Minnesota, asked about choosing the right bread when confronted with the many varieties in supermarkets: 

Here we go Carol!

Buying bread is common for many people, and choosing the right type and quality is essential to suit your preferences and dietary needs. When buying bread, there are several factors to consider, including the type of bread, freshness, ingredients, and where to purchase it.

First, consider the type of bread you want. Numerous varieties are available, such as white bread, whole wheat bread, multigrain bread, sourdough bread, and many more. Each type has its unique taste, texture, and nutritional profile. Consider your dietary preferences and any specific health requirements when selecting the type of bread.

My 5 Mistakes to Avoid list for when buying bread

1. Not Checking the Ingredients: One of the most common mistakes people make when buying bread is not checking the ingredients. Some loaves of bread may contain unhealthy additives such as preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, or hydrogenated oils. Reading the label and looking for bread made with whole grains and natural ingredients is essential.
2. Ignoring the Freshness: Bread can quickly become stale, and stale bread needs to taste better. So make sure to check the freshness of the bread you’re buying. Look for bread with a sell-by date several days away, or better yet, freshly baked and sold the same day.
3. Not Considering the Bread: There are many different types of bread, each with its unique flavor and texture. Before buying bread, consider what you will be using it for. For example, do you need hearty bread for sandwiches or light bread for toast? Knowing what you need will help you choose the right type of bread.
4. Choosing the Wrong Bakery: Not all bakeries are created equal. Some bakeries specialize in certain types of bread, while others offer a wider variety. Before buying bread, do a little research and find a bakery specializing in the type of bread you’re looking for.
5. Buying Bread Based on Price Alone: While price is undoubtedly a factor to consider when buying bread, it should not be the only factor. Cheaper loaves of bread may contain more additives and preservatives. In contrast, more expensive loaves of bread will include higher-quality ingredients. Consider the bread’s overall value, including the ingredients’ quality and freshness.

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Meet Chef Walter!

There is a constant, recognizable thread in the career of Walter Potenza to elevate the level of Italian culinary culture in the United States. Besides his unquestionable culinary talent and winning business perspective, Chef Walter has been a relentless educator with passion and knowledge who defeats stereotypes. His life, career, and values are a model, an example to follow by any chef of Italian gastronomy working outside Italy.  

Chef Walter appears regularly on National and International Networks such as Food Network, ABC, CBS, NBC, RAI, FOX, and Publications such as NY. Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, Saveur, Gourmet, and several Italian media outlets.  And now – RINewsToday!

Travel with Chef Walter!

Chef Walters Cooking School, Cranston, Rhode Island.  (Book a class, or purchase a certificate)