If you often visit bakeries, you've probably noticed the long loaves standing upright in baskets, with a harder texture than other breads. Today, let's get to know French bread.
What Is French Bread?
French bread is also called the "baguette", which means "stick". Its defining feature is its crisp crust. The reason it is made with such a crisp, hard exterior is to act as armour protecting the inside. France, where this bread originated, has a cold climate, and soft bread would spoil quickly because of the high humidity in the air.
From Boule to Baguette
Before the baguette, the French ate the "boule", a large round loaf. But in 1920 France introduced a law banning people from working before 4 a.m., so bakeries could not make boules in time to sell, as they take a long time to bake. Bakeries changed the shape of their bread to a long, slender form that baked more quickly, and this became the "baguette", the French bread we know today.
How the French Eat Baguettes
In the past, the French ate two baguettes a day: one bought in the morning to nibble throughout the day, and another bought in the evening after work to take home. It can be eaten plain, or split and filled with ham or butter. Today the French like to eat it with meat or pickled vegetables, or sliced and spread with sauce, jam or chopped tomato for a tangy flavour.
How the Baguette Spread Around the World
Another important part of the baguette's story is that it emerged during a time of war and colonisation, so French soldiers carried it with them into battle. As a result, the countries under French colonial rule adopted this food, and it became known worldwide.
Making French Bread
French bread was originally made from just three ingredients: flour, water and salt. Today yeast is added too. The method isn't difficult, making it ideal for beginner bakers, and you can easily learn it from many sources.
If you fancy a baguette, they're easy to find: most bakeries in shopping malls sell them. If you're worried it won't suit your taste, we suggest picking up some sauce, jam or tuna filling to go with it.
