BAGEL CARE
So you just received your box of bagels…
We know you’re going to love your bagels. There’s just one problem: You probably can’t eat several dozen bagels a day. (If you do, please let us know, because that’s kind of amazing.)
Our classic bagels don’t have any preservatives (The ones you’d typically buy at a grocery store need to be shelf stable for weeks, so they contain additives to make them last longer.) They must be frozen as soon as you get them. The same goes for any Alternative and Perfect 10 bagels as they are good frozen, so keep them in there!
Here’s how to maximize the shelf life of your bagels.
Our bagels in a plastic bag are good for up to a week will typically stay fresh in room temperature conditions.
Freeze whatever you won’t be eating in the next 7-10 days.
Once you open your box of bagels, let them sit on the counter for 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow them to get the room temperature.
Allowing your bagels to get to room temperature means they won’t be too warm. This will reduce the condensation that happens when your bagels are placed in the freezer.
Want to save some time making breakfast?
You should pre-slice your bagels before you freeze them. With what? A bagel slicer. We sell those. Why get a bagel slicer? Because you’re much less likely to cut yourself. Save money on band aids. Get a bagel slicer.
You don’t need to thaw a pre-sliced bagel before you toast it.
If you’re toasting a frozen bagel, just add a little more time than you would if it was thawed.
Air is your enemy.
There’s a lot of science we could explain, but here’s what you need to know: Our bagels come in their own plastic bags, and they’re perfectly fine to put in the freezer that way if you plan on eating them soon… but we do recommend freezer bags.
If you want to maximize the life of your bagels in the freezer, invest in some freezer bags.
We didn’t invent freezer bags, and we don’t sell them. The zip-top style freezer bags work great. Just try to get as much air out of the bag as your can before you put them in the freezer.
How to toast a bagel:
Yes, we’re really telling you how to toast something. Seriously, you should check this out. If you have a toaster, use a toaster. You want your bagel to be soft inside, and toasty outside. If you don’t own a toaster, make sure your bagel is sliced, and place it in the oven under your “high” broil setting, on the highest rack setting. A thawed bagel will usually toast in 2 minutes. A frozen bagel will usually toast in 3-4 minutes. (All ovens are different, so just use your eyes. When it looks toasted to your liking, it’s done.)
Save the environment.
Don’t throw away your freezer bags. You can re-use them.