| How to Prevent Mold Growth on Bread Posted: 12 Sep 2017 05:00 PM PDT Keeping bread fresh can be a challenging task for anyone, especially for smaller households and those living in hot, humid climates. Learning to store bread correctly is the easiest way to keep mold away, and to enjoy every loaf to its last crumb. EditFreezing the Bread - Cut bread into portions or slices. Cutting a frozen loaf is not easy and you won't have to thaw the whole loaf with every use.
- Wrap up the loaf tightly. Wrapping the loaf with wax paper or foil will help keep moisture with the loaf and prevent freezer-burn. With soft bread, you can place wax paper between slices to prevent them from sticking together.[1]
- Place the loaf in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible by folding the bag around loaf as you close it after every use. That way the loaf should keep fresh for up to six months.[2]
- Allow the bread to thaw. When ready to eat, let pieces thaw in foil or paper before reheating, in order to let them reabsorb the moisture that migrated to the wrapping. This will ensure the texture of the bread is the same as the day it was first frozen.[3]
EditStoring in Cool, Dry Place - Invest in a breadbox. Place your breadbox in a cool area away from heating elements that can accelerate mold growth. And since mold spores live in oxygen, the container should be airtight to keep the population low.[4]
- Keep the bread dry. Avoid touching the loaf with wet hands and never seal the loaf with visible moisture around it. This moisture when left at room temperature will accelerate mold growth.[5]
- Avoid the refrigerator. The temperature range of fridges can help against mold, but will make the bread go stale much faster. Unlike the freezer, the fridge will change the starch alignment in the bread, changing the texture of the bread greatly and quickly. [6]
EditMaking Longer Lasting Bread at Home - Incorporate sourdough starter into recipe. Sourdough starter is basically a usable form of wild yeast which increases the bread's acidity, deterring mold, as well as staleness.[7]
- Bake a denser style of bread. A dense loaf with a crisp crust will mold slower, think rustic Italian bread. Working additional flour into dough will increase density, and introducing steam to the baking loaf with a spray bottle will give a crispy crust.[8][9]
- Add some natural preservatives. Adding natural preservatives like lecithin or ascorbic acid help maintain moisture while reducing yeast and mold counts. Ingredients like garlic, cinnamon, honey, or clove also naturally fight mold growth, but will obviously influence the flavor significantly. [10][11]
- Stale-tasting bread can be made edible again by baking it in an oven. Baking stale bread can bring back some of its flavor, but this process can only be performed once.
- To keep partially used loaves fresh for a few hours to a day, place exposed side down on cutting board and leave in open air.[12]
- Do not consume bread with any signs of mold.
- Do not breathe in or smell bread after signs of mold as it may cause respiratory problems.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Grow a Sandalwood Tree Posted: 12 Sep 2017 09:00 AM PDT Sandalwood is highly valued for its aromatic scent, which is used in incense and perfume. Tropical Indian Sandalwood and temperate dryland Australian sandalwood are two varieties that are commonly grown. If you are hoping to bring some of the exotic scent of sandalwood into your backyard, you'll need to make sure there is a viable host species. Sandalwood doesn't grow without a host plant. Once established, sandalwood is a sensuous and potentially profitable tree to grow. EditSelecting the Site - Pick a sunny climate with moderate rainfall. Sandalwood does best in places with lots of sun, moderate rainfall and fairly dry weather. They prefer a temperature range of 12-30 Celsius (53-86 Fahrenheit). The annual rainfall should be in the range of 850-1200 millimeters (33-47 inches).[1]
- In terms of altitude, they can handle anything between 360 and 1350 meters (1181-4429 feet) but prefer moderate altitudes of between 600 and 1050 meters (1968-3444 feet).[2]
- Choose soil with adequate drainage. You'll want to avoid any soil that has experienced waterlogging, which sandalwood does not tolerate.[3] If you are planting in a sandy soil, you'll want to make sure the water doesn't drain too quickly.[4]
- Sandalwood prefers red ferrogenuous loam.
- Sandalwood can also be planted in black cotton, sandy, and red clay soils.[5]
- The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sandalwood tolerates rocky ground and gravelly soil.
- Plant sandalwood beside a suitable host species. Since sandalwood cannot survive without a nitrogen fixing host species, you'll need to ensure the host species is well established. You may be able to find a site with already established, suitable host species such as long-lived wattles or casuarinas.[6]
- If you need to plant a host species, you should space them between the sandalwood trees at intervals of 1.6-2 meters(5.2-6.5 feet).[7]
- Cajanus cajan is another good host species for sandalwood trees.[8]
EditGerminating the Seeds - Soak and dry the seeds. Soak the sandalwood seeds for twenty-four hours. Let them dry under the full force of the sun. After one day in the sun, you should see a crack developing in the seed. At this point, it is ready for germination.
- Mix the potting soil. You'll need some red earth, cattle manure, and sand. In a wheelbarrow or other container, mix two parts red earth to one part manure and one part sand. Fill the planting tray with this mixture.
- If you plan to sow the seeds directly outdoors, you can fill the planting hole with this mixture before sowing the seeds.
- Plant the seeds. You can plant the sandalwood seeds in a small container, such as a recycled carton or a planting tray. Fill it with the prepared potting mix. Place the seeds ¾'' to 1'' (1.75-2.54 centimeters) below the surface of the soil.[9]
- Water the seeds. Give a bit of water everyday but avoid waterlogging the soil, since the sandalwood tree prefers dry conditions. You should see the seeds begin to sprout within four to eight weeks.[10]
- To see whether water is needed, put your finger one inch into the soil. If the bottom of your finger feels dry, you'll need to water.
- Avoid soaking the potting soil, since sandalwood seeds do not tolerate water-logged soil.
EditTransplanting the Seedling - Dig a hole for the sandalwood seedling. You'll need a small shovel or a trowel. Create a planting hole that is 30 by 3 centimeters (11'' by 1'').[11]
- Put the sandalwood seedling into the ground. When the seedlings are around one month old, you'll need to transplant them. Use your trowel to loosen the soil around the edges of the planting tray. Put your fingers along the sides of the tray and pull up the sandalwood seedling. Holding it by the root ball, gently place it in the planting hole.[12]
- It is best to transplant the seedling in the morning before it gets too hot.[13]
- You should ensure the space between the seedling and the planting hole is complete filled up with soil, since you want to avoid any potential water-logging.
- You can space the sandalwood plants between 2.5 and 4 meters apart.[14]
- Avoid planting sandalwood in protected forest areas.
- In India, the best time to transplant sandalwood is between May and October.
- Plant the sandalwood seedlings close to the host plants. You'll need to plant the sandalwood seedlings within one meter of the host plants. Unless the tree fixes onto the host species within the first two years, it will die.[15]
- The host plants should be at least one-meter-tall prior to direct sowing of sandalwood.[16]
- Weed thoroughly during the first year. You'll need to remove any weeds that are competing for moisture around the sandalwood tree, especially during the first year. You should also make sure the host species does not take too much light away from the young sandalwood tree. If it starts to grow above the sandalwood, you could tip the host species to the side or prune it.[17]
- Remove any weeds that climb up the sandalwood.
EditCaring for a Sandalwood Tree - Water the sandalwood tree during dry periods. If you get a period of dry weather, you should water the sandalwood tree. Twice per week, you can give it half a litre (.5 quart) of water. It is best to water sandalwood in the evening, which prevents excessive evaporation.[18]
- If your area gets below the recommended range of 850-1200 millimeters (33-47 inches) of rain per week, you'll need to water the plants regularly.
- Prune the host species. If the host species begins to overshadow the sandalwood tree, you'll need to prune it back. Otherwise, the sandalwood tree will not get enough light. Prune the host species so that it is a little bit shorter than the sandalwood plant, so that it gets adequate sun.[19]
- Protect your sandalwood tree from wild herbivores. Since herbivores love the taste of sandalwood trees, you'll want to protect your plants. Avoid damage to your sandalwood tree by putting up a fence around the perimeter, which should help prevent herbivores from eating it.[20]
EditThings You'll Need - Trowel
- Shovel
- Potting soil
- Seeding tray
- Sandalwood seeds
- Host species
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Pay Attention in a Dull Class Posted: 12 Sep 2017 01:00 AM PDT Dull or boring classes can be a challenge to endure, especially if you're trying to earn a top grade. Every student experiences a dull class once in awhile, but the good news is that there are easy ways to keep yourself engaged while avoiding distractions. Coming to class prepared, striving to participate, and removing distractions like your cell phone and snacks are all strategies you can use to make it easier to pay attention.obviouly don't sleep retard EditKeeping Yourself Engaged - Do your homework. If your professor assigns reading chapters or written exercises prior to each class, make sure you complete them before arriving to class. If you show up prepared, you'll have a more active interest in the class because you already have a headstart on the material.[1]
- Take notes. Taking notes will help you pay attention to what's being taught, while also giving you a chance to translate the message into your own words. This can help you learn the material faster.[2]
- Record the lecture. If you find that you simply can't focus in class, or if you get bored because the teaching style doesn't suit your learning style, record the lecture so that you don't miss important information. When you're studying on your own, you can go back and listen to each class if needed.
- Use a fidget spinner or stress ball. Some people have an easier time paying attention if they have something to do with their hands. Consider buying a fidget spinner or stress ball that will keep your hands busy, so that your mind can zone in on the lecture.[3]
- Be discreet when you use your fidget spinner or stress ball so that you don't distract anyone else in the class.
- Draw pictures. If staring at a blackboard or taking notes while the teacher is talking makes you want to fall asleep, try doodling the lesson in a notebook. Translating concrete lessons into art might help you focus and pay attention, while providing an engaging activity that will help you prepare for the test![4]
- Eat something before the class starts. If you're attending class on an empty stomach, it's easy to nod off or feel distracted. Try eating a modest-sized, healthy snack, like vegetables and dip, crackers and cheese, a few handfuls of almonds, or some fruit.[5]
- Try to stay away from sugar, caffeine, and junk food right before class. You don't want to show up jittery from the sugar and then experience a big crash in the middle of class.
- Don't eat a big meal before class. You'll feel sleepy for a nap just when class begins.
- Stay mentally focused. When you find your attention slipping or boredom setting in, remind yourself that learning is important and that you want to succeed. Try repeating a few motivational phrases in your head, such as "Be here now," "Be in the moment," and "Knowledge is power."[6]
- Maintain a positive attitude. Head into class with an optimistic attitude. If you walk inside expecting to be bored, you probably will be. Convince yourself that you'll learn something new and interesting in each class, and pay close attention so that you do.[7]
- Reward yourself. To keep yourself motivated in boring classes, give yourself a reward. For example, after every boring class you manage to pay attention in, get yourself an ice cream, go to the movies, or allow yourself some free time to be with friends. Rewards will provide incentive for you to pay attention each time you have class.[8]
EditEngaging with Others - Participate in class. It can be hard to pay attention in a boring class, but if you force yourself to participate by asking and answering questions or joining in on group discussions, you'll stay focused.[9]
- Challenge yourself to ask at least 3 questions or contribute 3 discussion statements per class.
- Engaging with your teacher and your classmates with questions and thoughts of interest to you may help steer the class in a more interesting direction.
- Teachers and professors often reward class participation with higher grades and extra credit, so it's worth the effort.
- Hire a tutor. If you find class boring, it might be because you're having trouble understanding the material and keeping up with the work. Consider hiring a tutor or attending your teacher's office hours to improve your understanding of what's being taught.
- You'll find class is more fun if you're able to follow what's going on.
- Join a study group. For really boring, hard classes, like chemistry or physics, strength is found in numbers. By joining a study group, you'll meet like-minded students who probably find the class as boring as you but who are determined to do well and help keep each other accountable in class.
- Check your school's bulletin boards and hallways for posts about study groups. If your class or school doesn't have one that suits your needs, consider starting one up yourself!
- Talk to your teacher. If class feels like agony to you and you don't know why, talk to your teacher about it. Be polite and open, but don't be afraid to state your frustrations and ask for help with the material or being more engaged.
- If you don't feel comfortable talking to your teacher, seek out at a TA (teacher's assistant) or your school counselor for advice.
EditRemoving Distractions - Use the restroom before class begins. It's impossible to pay attention when you have to use the bathroom, so make a stop there before class starts.[10]
- Walk in with a clear head. If you're worried about the math test you just took or you are overwhelmed by the big history paper you were just assigned in another class, you'll feel distracted and bored all day long. Enter your classroom with a clear head and an open mind. Don't let outside distractions affect your ability to focus.[11]
- If you're having trouble clearing your head, try writing down all the pressing things on your mind right before class starts. Having a list will help ensure you don't forget anything and allow you to relax and focus for the next class.
- Turn off your cell phone. It's easy to feel bored when there are other things you'd rather do, like texting with your friends or checking your Facebook feed. By turning off your phone and storing it away in your bag or desk, you won't feel as tempted to sneak a peek and divert your attention from your class.[12]
- Put away food and drinks. When you're bored, you might want to to grab a snack or a drink to help make the time pass more quickly. This is counter-intuitive because you're actually multi-tasking and making it more difficult to stay focused. This is especially true when you need to listen and take notes at the same time. Keep food and drinks stored in your bag or locker for after class and focus all your energy into learning.[13]
- Even if you feel like you're able to concentrate and eat or drink at the same time, the noise, food type, and extra movement may affect those around you, so it's important to be courteous.[14]
- Get enough sleep. Being tired during class can be a huge distraction and make it hard to focus. Try to get enough sleep each night, so that you aren't tempted to doze during class.[15]
- Don't sit next to your friends. It can be really fun to share classes with friends, but you can also distract each other if you sit too close. Spread out around the classroom so that you pay attention to the class and not each other.[16]
- Do your best. School is important, but it can get boring at times. Sometimes, it's just a matter of sitting through the class, learning and absorbing what you can, and moving on until the next boring class comes along. Don't get discouraged over one boring class, just do your best to get through it![17]
- Nodding your head when listening to the professor is a great way to show that you're paying attention and that you understand.
- Do some research on the professors teaching the class you need to take. You may be able to find someone who fits more in line with your particular way learning.
- Schedule classes at times you know you'll be more alert. If you know you can't keep your eyes open at a certain time, don't torture yourself by putting a dull class in that time slot.
- You can also suggest some things to your teacher that will make the class more exciting.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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