Anishinaabe Word of The Day

Bread (bakwezhigan)

Bread is a staple food prepared from a dough of flour (usually wheat) and water, usually by baking. Throughout recorded history and around the world, it has been an important part of many cultures’ diet. It is one of the oldest human-made foods, having been of significance since the dawn of agriculture, and plays an essential role in both religious rituals and secular culture.

Bread may be leavened by naturally occurring microbes (e.g. sourdough), chemicals (e.g. baking soda), industrially produced yeast, or high-pressure aeration, which creates the gas bubbles that fluff up bread. In many countries, commercial bread often contains additives to improve flavor, texture, color, shelf life, nutrition, and ease of production.

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Bread, a fundamental food staple, has a history spanning thousands of years. Originating from ancient civilizations who first mixed grains with water, bread evolved significantly over time. The Egyptians pioneered leavened bread, discovering natural fermentation. The Romans refined baking techniques, establishing public bakeries. During the medieval period, bread was central to the European diet, with variations reflecting social status. The Industrial Revolution introduced machinery, making bread more accessible and diverse. Today, bread remains a versatile and beloved food, ranging from artisanal sourdoughs to everyday loaves, symbolizing both tradition and innovation in baking.

Related Words

fish egg bread
waakoonsiwi-bakwezhigan na fish-egg bread

fry bread
zaasagokwaan na (a piece of) fry bread
See also: zaasakokwaan na

zaasakokwaan na (a piece of) fry bread
See also: zaasagokwaan na

make bread
bakwezhiganike vai s/he makes bread, [N] makes bannock
oven-baked bread
gibozigan na bread baked in the oven, yeast bread