World Baking Day

 Happy World Baking Day! 

The first World Baking Day was observed on May 17, 2012. It was created by Unilever as part of a promotional campaign for their margarine products. However, the day would officially be observed on May 20 of that year, because it was the third Sunday in May. Also, people in general would be able to bake something on a Sunday. 

Baking is a very old form of food preparation, dating back to various ancient cultures. The oldest known oven was found in 2014 in Croatia, at about 6500 years old. The Ancient Egyptians used yeast to bake bread. In fact, it's believed they invented the baking oven. The ancient Greeks started baking bread around 600 BC, and they would go on to invent the enclosed oven. However, baking would flourish thanks to the Romans. They would come up with the concept of baking as a dedicated profession. Bakers were very respected in Ancient Rome, as bread was seen as a decadent delicacy, and Romans, well...they love to celebrate things.

In fact, Roman bakers would form a guild: the Collegium Pistorum. While historians don't quite agree exactly when it started, the Collegium was quite powerful thanks to its critical role in the Roman grain supply. Even got its own seat in the Roman Senate. Yes, business and politics intermixing is nothing new. From there, the Roman style of baking would spread throughout Europe, and even into Asia.

In 1843, English chemist Alfred Bird invented single-action baking powder. Double-action baking powder came about thanks to American scientist Eben N. Horsford. The difference is single-action has one acidic compound and double-action has two. This provided reliable chemical reactions for baking, making it much easier. The 19th century would see baking become an art form all over the world.

During World War II and the years leading up to it, shortages of various ingredients led to people become a bit more...creative with baking recipes. 

During the COVID pandemic, baking experienced a surge of interest and popularity due to the lockdowns and people needing something to do. One of the more popular items baked during this time was sourdough bread and unleavened bread due to yeast shortages.

So, enjoy some bread, pretzels, donuts, baked potato chips, or try baking something yourself. It's a great day to do so! Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves and each other! If you like what I wrote and want to give my blog some additional support, please make a donation to my Ko-fi! See you next time!