Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about storing, freezing, slicing, and ordering your Great Harvest bread.
What's the difference between whole grain and whole wheat?+
Whole wheat refers to the wheat kernel that has not been mixed with any other grain. Any whole wheat product is a whole-grain product. Whole-grain can refer to any grain, including wheat, spelt, rye, flax, and barley.
What's the best time to come get bread?+
All of our bread is ready by 8am. It takes at least 5–6 hours to make a loaf of bread from scratch.
What time should I come if I want my bread sliced?+
If you want a loaf made that morning sliced, it's best to come around 10am. The bread must cool completely so we can slice it without the soft center collapsing.
How long will my Great Harvest bread stay fresh?+
We guarantee the freshness of most of our breads for 7–10 days from purchase. Some specialty breads have a slightly shorter shelf life — just ask and we'll advise you.
Are there preservatives in your bread?+
Our breads contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Because our ingredients — especially our fresh whole wheat flour — are so fresh, our bread stays fresh for a long time on its own.
Should I put my bread in the fridge?+
No — that's the worst place to store it. Our breads lack the chemicals in commercial bread that allow refrigeration, so the fridge makes them go stale faster. Keep it tightly wrapped in the bag at room temperature.
Can I freeze my Great Harvest bread?+
Absolutely. Tell us you plan to freeze it and we'll give you extra bags to better insulate it. All of our breads freeze well for up to 5 weeks without a loss in quality.
Do your breads contain milk, eggs, or nuts?+
Most of our breads contain none of these, but we brush many with a decorative egg wash — we're happy to provide egg-wash-free loaves with a day's notice. Some specialty and sweet breads contain butter, milk, or buttermilk, and we use walnuts in many breads and sweets. Please ask any team member and we'll guide you to dairy- and nut-free options.
Do you use any oil in your baking?+
Almost all of our breads contain no added fats or oils and absolutely no trans fats. For specialty breads that require it, like focaccia, we use extra virgin olive oil, or in some cases butter or canola oil.
How can I be sure I get the bread I want?+
The best way is to place an order — call us or come in with the products you want, how many of each, and your pickup time, along with a phone number so we can reach you if needed.
What's the difference between a toaster loaf and a round loaf?+
Nothing but the shape. Rounds and toasters are exactly the same size — rounds are circular and toasters are rectangular so the slices fit in your toaster.
Why can't you slice certain breads?+
Two reasons. Freshly baked bread needs time to cool and stabilize before slicing, or the slicer would smash it. Some breads also don't slice well — cheese breads (Cheddar Garlic, Parmesan Herb), swirl breads (Dutch Apple, Cinnamon), and tea cakes (Carrot Raisin Walnut, Banana Nut).
Still have a question?
Our team is happy to help — call your nearest bakery or send us a note.