Bread: Food Commodity In The World

Bread is one of the most widely consumed food commodity in the world. It comes in many forms, found in every culture and is enjoyed on a daily basis. There is evidence that flour existed at least 30,000 years ago and humans who were then hunter gatherers were able to settle in one area and harvest grains for food. They began boiling grains for easier digestion and eventually the grain paste was cooked on stone slabs making crude flat breads that exist today. We know them as Iranian lavash, Mexican tortilla, Indian chapatti, roti and naan, Scottish oatcakes, Jewish Matzo and Middle Eastern pita bread. In 1500 BC people began to understand fermentation and this led to the important developing of leavened breads. The first modern mill was constructed

Towards the end of the 18th century bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) arrived. Using buttermilk or soured milk, the action of one enhances the other, bicarbonate of soda interacts with the lactic acid of buttermilk to release carbon dioxide into the dough making it rise. (Campbell, 2004,2007).

Wholemeal soda bread Wholemeal soda bread is the bread most favoured in Ireland but the same combination is used for white soda breads, plain and flavoured white and brown scones and sweet tea breads. Baking soda was first introduced to Ireland in the 19th century as a leavening agent and combined with flour, buttermilk and salt, its aroma and taste is unique to Ireland and is a favourite with tourists.

Other traditional baked goods include barm brack, griddle breads, potato cakes, crumpets, muffins and fruit tarts. National sweet cakes such as porter cake, carrot and

It is part of special occasions for example the French have their own bread to represent Christ and his apostles called Fougasse and this is eaten at Christmas. In Ireland the soda bread is very popular with tourists and is part of their experience when visiting Ireland. It is mentioned in the Bible in relation to the Exodus from Egypt and the challah bread (meaning ‘offering’) is the traditional Jewish festival and Sabbath bread.

Bread and it is also a part of these countries history. It sustained them through wars, famines, recessions and general hard times. Laws were passed in France due to mass starvation during the French Revolution. They specified ingredients, baking methods, how to knead, aerate, the shape and size for any loaf that is an authentic French baguette. French bread is very much loved around the world and franchise such as Le cuisine de France are very popular here and