The very beginnings
The origins of bread baking go back to the beginnings of agriculture. Around 10,000 years ago, people in the fertile crescent regions of the Middle East (particularly Egypt) discovered that they could make a dough by grinding grains and adding water. This discovery marked the beginning of bread baking.
The first breads were probably flat and simple, baked on hot stones or directly in the embers. This staple food offered a new way of utilising surplus grain and diversifying the diet.
The Egyptian innovation
The ancient Egyptians brought an innovative twist to bread baking. They perfected the art of baking yeast bread and developed a wide variety of bread types. Daily bread became a central part of their diet and culture. Interestingly, bread was so valuable that it was even used as currency.
Roman sophistication
With the rise of the Roman Empire, bread also experienced a heyday. Roman bakers perfected various bread recipes, including a famous sourdough bread that was often sweetened with honey or dates. Bread became a status symbol and the Romans developed sophisticated methods for processing flour.
The Middle Ages and the monasteries
During the Middle Ages, monasteries played a decisive role in the preservation and further development of the art of bread baking. Monks explored new techniques, including the use of starter doughs and sourdough. Some monasteries became famous for their exquisite breads, which were often enriched with herbs and spices.
The Renaissance and the discovery of new ingredients
The Renaissance not only brought a heyday in art and science, but also in the art of baking. With the discovery of new countries and trade routes, new types of grain such as corn and potatoes arrived in Europe and bakers experimented with different mixtures.
Industrialisation and mass-produced bread
Bread underwent a further transformation with industrialisation in the 19th century. Mechanised mills enabled the mass production of flour, and the introduction of baking powder revolutionised bread production. Bread became affordable and accessible to the general population.
The return to craftsmanship
Over the course of the 20th century, however, industrialisation led to a standardisation and impoverishment of bread quality. In recent decades, however, bread baking has experienced a renaissance. More and more people are returning to artisan production, appreciating traditional methods and using high-quality ingredients.
Fascinating anecdotes
The gold treasure in the bread: During the California Gold Rush, bakers were known to hide gold nuggets in loaves of bread. Travellers who set off with a loaf of bread thus had a secret reserve in times of need.
The revolutionary Marie Antoinette is said to have famously remarked during the French Revolution, "If they have no bread, let them eat cake". Whether this anecdote is true or not remains unclear, but it emphasises the importance of bread in historical contexts.
A journey through the world of bread baking
The history of bread baking is an epic tale that reflects the development of mankind. From simple flatbreads to elaborate sourdough creations, bread has found its way through time and cultures, always an essential part of human nutrition and culture. Today, bakers around the world continue this traditional art, creating unique breads that celebrate the history and diversity of bread baking.
Basic bread ingredients
Anyone who ventures into the world of bread baking is immersed in a universe of flour, yeast, water, salt and other fascinating ingredients...
Bread variety
Each type of bread tells its own story, characterised by the people who bake it, the regions it comes from...
Bread baking techniques
Join us on a journey through baking techniques, from the careful selection of ingredients to the finished bread...
Sourdough bread
Sourdough bread, with its characteristic sour flavour and rustic texture, is not only a culinary experience...
Gluten-free baking
It may seem challenging at first, but with the right approach and the right ingredients, you can...
Bread baking recipes
Hardly anything smells as delicious as crusty bread that has just come out of the oven...
Troubleshooting when baking bread
Even if your bread doesn't come out of the oven the way you imagined, there are ways to save it...
Silicone bread baking moulds
Baking has never been easier than with Original FLEXI®FORM! All types of bread can be baked in our silicone bread baking moulds...
FLEXI®FORM silicone quality
Since 1999, LURCH has been the pioneer in the world of silicone baking moulds with its FLEXI®FORM brand - to be precise, THE original.