Begin with the crust
Colour, thickness and brittleness tell you how a loaf meets the oven. Our country-loaf concept favours a substantial, dark crust for a toasted contrast to the soft centre. Darker is a design intention here, not a universal definition of better bread.
Then look at the crumb
Large holes can be beautiful, but they are not the only useful crumb. A seeded sandwich loaf benefits from close, even slices; a tear-and-share bread has another job. Choose the structure that suits what you want to put on it.
Give yesterday a second life
Toast changes the balance: the surface crisps, the inside warms and a little butter finds its way into both. If a loaf is more than you can use, freezing slices makes the next breakfast simpler. Actual storage advice should always follow the specific product.
A small tasting at home
Try one slice plain, one lightly toasted and one with butter. Notice texture before deciding which you prefer. There is no score to achieve. The point is to find the breakfast you like.