When giving gifts, many of us are looking for something that not only delights us, but also expresses our care and love. the perfect gift is something thoughtful and from the heart like homemade bread.
But with people living all over the country and the world, how can we get our tasty treats delivered to them and have them arrive in delicious condition? Let’s take a look at some considerations and ways to ensure your bread arrives looking and tasting amazing!
type of bread
First, consider the type of bread you’re shipping. breads like banana and pumpkin tend to be sturdier and do better over time compared to yeast-based bread.
also consider a sourdough as they also tend to last longer. however, don’t shy away from yeast breads, but be aware that they tend to be a bit more fickle and require more care and quick delivery.
packaging
loaves should be packed in a sturdy box; avoid padded envelopes. The United States Postal Service recommends that loaves be “wrapped twice in plastic wrap and sealed inside a gallon-size plastic bag, or re-wrapped in foil” before packing.
make sure there is enough padding (ie crumpled paper, packing peanuts, bubble wrap) to secure the bread in the box. write “perishable” on the outside of the box as well to indicate the urgency of the contents of the package.
for visual learners, this youtube video shows how to mail a loaf of bread: how to easily mail a loaf of bread.
bake and ship
The first method is to simply bake the bread and ship it as soon as it cools. Catch should be shipped via overnight, two-day, or priority delivery to ensure bread arrives fresh.
also, we recommend not to send it on Thursday or Friday since its arrival may be delayed on the weekend. if you’re shipping internationally, definitely opt for overnight or two-day delivery.
Parisian boulangerie poilane successfully ships its breads and cookies to the united states in two days.
partial cooking
baking your bread on par is another option. partial baking, as opposed to partial baking, is the process of baking the bread dough only 80% of the time and then flash freezing the bread.
This process kills future yeast power, creates a stable interior (allowing for longer shelf life) but does not brown the crust. this will allow the recipient to finish the baking process to enjoy the aromas and browning of the bread by baking it for an additional 10-15 minutes at normal temperature.
several bakeries, such as exclusive breads, izzio bakery and france bakery, use this technique to guarantee freshness over time and transport.
fully cooked and frozen
While you can freeze and ship your bread fully baked, it is possible for the bread to thaw in transit and become stale. Whether fully baked or partially baked, you should also be very careful to seal your package in airtight plastic so thawing doesn’t cause leaks.
Consider using cold gel packs to keep bread cold. dry ice can be used for domestic shipments through usps, but not for international shipments. For more information and directions on shipping frozen breads, see the USPS website.
No matter if you choose to fully or partially bake your bread, whether you choose to bake zucchini bread or cinnamon bread, remember to keep these points in mind to ensure your bread arrives ready to enjoy!
international shipping
There are many great bakeries in the US. But what if you want to ship baguettes from a bakery in France? or focaccia from a special panetteria in italy? Or some tasty bolillos from a bakery in Mexico?
The above concerns apply when shipping bread internationally to the US. uu. In addition, however, you will need to register the shipment with the US FDA. uu. using the “prior notice” process.
obtain prior notices through the us fda. uu. it can be an arduous task. however, consider using the priornotify app to automate the process.
the priornotify app works with a variety of e-commerce platforms. it also allows you to manage your vendors, producers, and carriers.
And of course, if you don’t have time to bake, but want to send a gift to someone you love, visit rudigourmand.com for gourmet treats from around the world.