A History of Bread: Consumers, Bakers and Public Authorities since the 18th Century

In the past, bread was a significant part of people's daily lives, providing more than half of their calories. However, today, it accounts for only 0.8% of expenditure and 12% of daily calories. This book explores the history of bread, from the price revolution of the 1890s to the taste revolution of the 1990s, to explain why it has fallen by the wayside. It examines how cultural shifts and top-down decisions from ruling bodies have shaped the history of bread, including changes in agriculture, transport, production, and policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

For centuries, bread has been the cornerstone of European cuisine, providing more than half of the daily caloric intake of the population. In the mid-nineteenth century, a significant portion of household income was allocated to bread, accounting for a third of total expenditure. However, today, bread accounts for only 0.8% of expenditure and 12% of daily calories. In his book, Peter Scholliers explores the history of bread, tracing its defining moments and the individuals who shaped it. From the price revolution of the 1890s, which made affordable and pure white bread accessible, to the taste revolution of the 1990s, which introduced healthy brown bread, Scholliers examines consumers, bakers, and governments to understand how and why this once-dominant food has fallen out of favor. He delves into various aspects, including prices, consumption, legislation, and technology, to unravel the complex factors that have contributed to the decline of bread in modern times. Scholliers demonstrates how the history of bread has been shaped by both subtle cultural shifts and top-down decisions from governing bodies. He traces changes in agriculture, transportation, production, and policy since the 19th century to explain why bread, once the center of everything, is no longer the focal point of our culinary landscape.

The decline of bread can be attributed to several factors, including the rise of alternative cereals, the advent of processed foods, and changes in dietary preferences. The industrialization of bread production has also played a role, with large-scale bakeries replacing home baking and reducing theartisanal nature of the bread-making process. Additionally, the rise of fast food and convenience meals has led to a decrease in the consumption of bread as a staple food. Despite these challenges, there has been a resurgence of interest in bread, with a growing number of people seeking out artisanal and organic bread products. There is also a growing awareness of the nutritional value of bread, with many varieties now being fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. In conclusion, the history of bread is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and cultures. While it has faced challenges and declined in popularity, bread remains an important part of our culinary heritage and continues to inspire innovation and creativity in the kitchen.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350361775