Bread is a food product obtained from fermentation, from the molding it follows
a leavening, and subsequent baking of a flour-based dough (normal or wholemeal)
of cereals, water, packaged in different ways, enriched and characterized frequently
from different ingredients depending on the place where it is prepared.
It can also be unleavened, therefore called unleavened, especially if it is to be kept for
long periods. However, this is not the sailor's biscuit, also known as "galetta", a long-lasting food
duration (even months) typical of the sailing navy, which is really a "bis-cotto", i.e. cooked two
times; several Italian regional breads are also unleavened. Unleavened bread is widespread in
several Middle Eastern countries, and is mostly produced without adding salt.
When it takes the form of low bread it is often used as a component of dishes that include
the presence of condiments (typical examples of Italian regional low bread are Neapolitan pizza,
focaccia from Genoa and piadina from Romagna).

History

Tacuinum sanitatis (14th century) Loaf of bread found in the excavations of Pompeii
The oldest bread of which we have certainty dates back to around 12,000 BC. and was found in
Jordan: it was prepared by grinding a mixture of cereals between two stones and mixing it
with waterfall. The final dough was cooked on a hot stone.
Around 3500 BC [citation needed] the Egyptians discovered fermentation, with which a dough
left in the air it was cooked the next day; the result was a softer and more fragrant bread.
For the Egyptians the bread was not only a source of food but also of wealth.
Jews eat unleavened bread, "Matzah," at the commemoration
of the exodus from Egypt: the use of unleavened bread is a symbol of preparing to undertake
the journey, given the speed of preparation and the excellent possibility of keeping this type
of bread. In remembrance of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ unleavened bread, in the form of wafers,
is used in the Eucharist by some Christian confessions (Catholics of the Latin rite, Lutherans),
while others Churches (Reformed, Orthodox, etc.) use leavened bread.
From Egypt the art of baking passed to Greece. The Greeks became excellent bakers, ne
they produced more than 70 qualities. They added to the basic recipes ingredients such as: milk, oil,
cheese, aromatic herbs and honey. They were also the first to bake bread at night.
A time in the countryside every family or group of families made bread at home
and kneaded it with the kneading machine. (source Wikipedia)


(Selection 2023)