Bread is one of the most common and versatile staples of the human diet. It has been a part of our lives for thousands of years, and its history is deeply intertwined with cultures around the world. From traditional French baguettes to hearty German ryes, the variety of breads available is nearly endless. Bread is a nutritious food with many benefits, providing important nutrients like carbohydrates, fibre, and protein. It can be used as part of a meal or as a snack, and it can be enjoyed in many ways.
1. There are lots of different types of breads.
There isn’t just one type of bread. There are loads!
From sourdough to ciabatta and brioche to whole-grain.
How many breads can you think of?
2. Dough is baked to make bread!
All bread is made by baking dough.
The ingredients in dough can vary but the main ones are water and wheat flour.
Other ingredients can be added such as yeast and salt too!
3. Wheat flour is the main ingredient in bread.
You might have seen wheat growing in fields when you are in the countryside. It starts off as tiny seeds!
Wheat can grow in lots of different climates and soils, so you can find it growing all over the world.
We mostly use wheat that is grown in the UK.
It is ground down to make a flour. You can find out more below!
4. Bread is used in lots of dishes across the world.
Bread is used all over the world and is used in lots of different dishes.
The ones we can think of are pizzas, burgers, hot dogs and bread pudding!
Can you think of anything else?
5. Most bread is leavened.
Most bread is leavened.
This means when bread is made with yeast or a rising-agent. This makes dough grow and get bigger!
There are certain types of bread that isn’t leavened. For example chapati, roti and naan!
6. French toast didn’t get invented in France!
Did you know that French toast didn’t even get invented in France? How silly!
Whilst the official origin of French toast isn’t exactly known, there are some potential stories.
Rumour has it that a man called Joseph French invented it and named it after himself.
French toast is usually sweet, with the bread soaked in eggs first. Often maple syrup and cinnamon is added too!
7. The sandwich is named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich!
A sandwich is great for lunch, isn’t it?!
The word sandwich is named after a man called John Montagu who was the 4th Earl of Sandwich!
He asked for his meat to be put between two slices of bread so it was easier for him when he was out hunting, playing cards and going about his fancy life!
His friends started to notice this and thought it was a great idea. So, they asked for ‘the same as Sandwich’ and the name stuck!
There’s one to tell your friends at lunch.
8. Bread is used in Christianity as a symbol.
In the Christianity religion, bread is used to symbol the body of Jesus and how it was broken for us.
This is mostly known as the Holy Communion.
You might have seen it before but if not, see below!
9. The biggest loaf of bread ever made was 1,571kg!
Did you know that there is a world record for the biggest loaf of bread ever made?
It was a massive 1,571kg and was made by Joaquim Gonçalves in Brazil.
It became a Guinness World Record on 13th November 2008 to celebrate Guinness World Records Day!
10. The ancient Egyptians used mouldy bread to treat infections!
In ancient Egypt they used mouldy bread to treat infected cuts and wounds.
The mould would produce chemicals which would stop the growth of bacteria.
Very clever!
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