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The ancient art of breadmaking in Greece
Today’s blog post is for those of you who want to explore the ancient art of breadmaking in Greece. And why not try and re-create some of the Greek historical recipes yourself!
It all started in a 300-year-old olive grove, 5 km from the city of Chania. Greeks developed different types of bread, such as the well-known sourdough. Their techniques varied a lot, even kneading or baking wasn’t the same all over the country. Some Greeks were using the bread as an ingredient in various dishes as well.
The loaves of bread were of course baked on hot stones, we are talking about the famous 5th-century pnigeus, a kind of portable earthenware oven. A popular choice as to bake the loaves of bread in a Byzantine portable grill. Later on, most Greeks used to bake bread in the heat of a traditional wood-fired oven.
Read more: Greek Gastronomy: Vegetarian Greek Food
Some of the most famous examples of the ancient art of bread making in Greece, that are loved to this day?
Well, of course, the diverse and intense sourdough! A close second is the Byzantine style flatbread that is baked in hot ash, as well as the Byzantine stuffed flatbread baked on a clay grill.
What’s our personal favorite? The traditional flatbread that is best eaten when topped with vegetables and cheese, or a homemade Greek jam. Oh! And it is baked in a wood-fired oven, where else?
We hope this blogpost made you a bit more enthusiastic about the ancient art of bread making in Greece and a lot more curious to try a new variety of bread! Or why not try and bake one on your own!
Importance of bread in Greek culture
Bread is an integral part of Greek culture and has played a significant role in the country’s history and daily life for thousands of years. In Greece, bread is not just a basic food staple but also a symbol of hospitality, community, and tradition.
Breadmaking in Greece has deep roots that date back to ancient times. In fact, the Greeks were among the first people in the world to develop breadmaking techniques and to make bread a central part of their diet. Bread was so important to the ancient Greeks that they even had a goddess of bread, known as Demeter.
Throughout Greek history, bread has been a vital source of sustenance, particularly for the poor who relied on it as their main source of food. It was also an important part of religious ceremonies, with bread being offered to the gods and used as a symbol of the body of Christ in the Orthodox Church.
Breadmaking in Greece has been passed down from generation to generation and remains an essential aspect of Greek cuisine and culture today. Greek bread is known for its unique taste and texture, which is achieved through the use of local ingredients and traditional baking techniques.
In addition to being a basic food staple, bread is also an essential component of Greek hospitality. It is customary to offer bread to guests as a symbol of welcome and hospitality, and bread is often served alongside meals as a way to bring people together and foster a sense of community.
Overall, bread is an essential part of Greek culture, and its significance extends far beyond just being a basic food staple. It is a symbol of tradition, community, and hospitality, and its importance is deeply ingrained in Greek society.
Find out more about Greek Cuisine!!
A team of foodies, cooks, and travelers. Alios Tours was founded out of our passion for Greek food. We share the delicious side of Greece.
