Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Bread is one of those must-have products at home, with the vast majority of Irish households including it on their lists of groceries. However, the doughy delicacy is also Ireland’s most wasted food, with 41 per cent of people reporting they throw away bread due to mould or simply going stale. The longevity of your loaf is all down to storage – stash it incorrectly, and it may only last mere days before reaching its sell-by date. The waste management experts over at Wheeldon Brothers suggest that tiny tweaks can have outsized effects on both the texture and lifespan of bread, reports the Mirror. Per an official source from the firm: "Bread is one of the most frequently wasted foods in households, but by making a few simple adjustments, like controlling moisture and temperature, you can extend its life and reduce the amount that ends up in the bin." Don’t worry, there are several to keep bread fresher for longer, making a big difference financially over time and also reducing food waste. For example, using this one unlikely vegetable: celery. (Image: Getty Images) Add a celery stick to the bag to extend breads shelf life You might raise an eyebrow at the notion of using celery to prolong the life of your bread, but surprisingly, it's a trick that yields impressive results. By simply popping a celery stick into the bread bag, you can enjoy your loaf for up to an extra week. According to the spokesperson, the magic lies in the fact that "celery gives off moisture, which helps prevent the bread from drying out without encouraging mould". "It's a clever way to maintain the softness of bread while storing it in the fridge," they further explained. To try this hack, simply add the celery to your bread bag, seal it tight, and stash it in the fridge to keep it fresh and delicious. However, the effectiveness of this method does depend on various factors, such as how the bread is stored, the type of bread, and the freshness of the celery. Nonetheless, it's an intriguing and practical solution for those looking to stretch the life of their bread. If you're not sold on the celery idea, don't worry - there are other methods you can try. For instance, you can cut small holes in the bread bag to allow moisture to escape, or store the bread in an airtight container. The most effective approach, however, is to freeze the bread and then toast it straight from the oven, which yields the longest shelf life compared to other methods. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.