Foods of the British Culinary Breads

Flashcards about the history and varieties of British breads, covering topics from medieval times to industrialization.

How was bread commonly made in medieval times?

In medieval times, most people made unleavened bread in a skillet over open fire.

What type of bread did the wealthy typically eat?

Wealthy individuals consumed leavened bread baked in ovens.

What grains were commonly used to make bread?

Wheat, rye, and barley.

What role did bread play in people's diets, and how did preferences vary between the wealthy and the poor?

Bread sustained life and was a staple at every meal. The wealthy preferred well-milled white flour/bread, while the poor ate darker, less milled whole grain bread.

Who grew and ground the wheat for bread?

Landowners grew the wheat, grain mills ground the wheat/grains into flour. The poor often had to grind the grains themselves.

What was the role of bakers, and what was the nature of their work?

Bakers could bake your dough for you, but it was a horrible, hard labor job.

According to legend, what was the cause of the Great London Fire?

A baker supposedly caused the Great London Fire.

How were bakers organized, and what role did Elizabeth I play in their organization?

Bakers guilds formed, one for white bread and one for brown bread. Elizabeth I joined both together to form the Worshipful Company of Bakers.

What were some of the developments in the baking industry during industrialization?

Bakery chains emerged, baking tins were created, and bread could be sliced and toasted. The sandwich was invented, and sweet breads were a craze.

What impact did technology have on the availability of white bread?

New technology in milling made white bread cheaper for the masses.

Name five types of British breads.

Butteries, Black Bun, Bap, Golspie Loaf, Bannock

Name four additional types of British breads.

Wheaten Bread, Potato Farl, Veda Bread, Soda Bread Farl

Name two Welsh breads.

Bara Brith, Welsh Cakes

Name six more types of British breads.

English Bloomer, Crumpet, Stottie Cake, Cottage Loaf, Barm Cake, Lardy Cake