Different Types of Bread

Bread is a main staple in most diets, but it is often disregarded as something simple and boring. On the contrary, there are many different types of bread that can be enjoyed for various occasions and meals. Due to the huge diversity in the bread world, it would be impossible to list every type. However, there are some main types of bread that are very versatile. These different types of bread include pan baked, medium volume, and flat breads.

Pan baked breads are those which rise the highest. Their large increase in volume is what requires their containment within baking pans. Most traditional breads, including white and whole wheat, are high in volume. This is due to a higher use of leavening agents, such as yeast, which are used to expand the dough. Different types of bread in this category also rise for different amounts of time, leading to an increase in volume.

Medium volume breads are similar to pan baked ones, but, as the name suggests, they do not rise as much. Common breads is this category include rye breads and hearth breads. Homemade rye bread is often made from rye flour or a mixture of rye and wheat flour. Rye flour contains less proteins to strengthen the dough, so a weaker dough is made. Hearth breads, including the ever popular French bread, is bread that is shaped by hand and then cooked directly on the hearth of a fire without the use of pans.

Breads that rise very minimally or not at all are known as flatbreads. The earliest breads made were flatbreads due to their ease of preparation. Their basic ingredients are flour, water, and salt. These breads are shaped by hand and made very thin in relation to other breads. They are then cooked quickly on a hot surface. There are many different types of flatbreads that have become popular in the United States. These include tortillas, pita, and na'an bread.

Baking different types of bread is thoroughly enjoyable, and learning their history and origins is exciting. Since bread is such a dietary focal point and cultural metaphor, it's not difficult to believe its traditions run deep. When making these breads, it's also interesting to learn about the cultures that first created them. The history of focaccia bread, for example, is full of tradition. So next time you make your favorite bread, take a moment to learn a bit more about it. You'll be glad you did.