Bread is a staple food that plays a large role in many cultures, and has been doing so for centuries.
So, it’s no wonder then that there are so many different types of bread, each with its own unique name.
But have you ever wondered why bread is called “bread”? Let’s find out right away!
The word “bread” originates from the Germanic language and can be traced back to the word “bredan”, meaning “to break or tear”. The original meaning of “bread” was “food that is broken into pieces”. Which makes sense given that bread is often broken into pieces before it’s eaten!
Over time, the meaning of “bread” shifted to specifically refer to a type of leavened dough that was baked in an oven.
This is the bread that we know and love today (I know I do)!
Now, let’s take a closer look at the origin of bread and the interesting meaning behind the names of the most popular types of bread.
Who Invented The Word Bread?
The word “bread” is thought to have originated with the Anglo-Saxons, who were a group of people who lived in Britain from the 5th century.
They were the ones who first introduced the word “bread” into the English language.
The Anglo-Saxons were responsible for many of the words that we still use today, so it’s not surprising that “bread” is one of them.
Many countries have their own word for “bread.” In France, the word is “pain,” while in Germany it’s “Brot.” In Holland, the word is “brood,” while in Italy it’s “pane.”
Interestingly, the word “bread” is also thought to be related to the word “brew.” This makes sense when you consider that both bread and beer are made with yeast!
What Defines Bread As Bread?
So what exactly makes something bread?
Bread is typically made from flour, water, yeast, and salt. It’s then kneaded, shaped into a loaf, and baked in an oven.
There are endless variations of bread, from the simple white bread that most of us are familiar with to more complex recipes that include fruits, nuts, and spices.
No matter what ingredients are used, all bread shares the same basic structure: a network of gluten proteins that trap gas bubbles.
This is what gives bread its characteristic fluffy texture.
There are many types of breads that are called bread, but don’t actually contain any of the traditional ingredients.
For example, there are gluten-free breads, vegan breads, and even low-carb breads.
As long as a food has a similar texture and taste to traditional bread, it can be called bread!
Different Types Of Breads And Their Meanings
When it comes to bread, there are all sorts of different types, each with its own unique name.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of bread, along with their meanings.
You will definitely be surprised by some of these!
Why Is Monkey Bread Called Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread, also known as pull apart bread, is a sweet, sticky, and delicious treat that’s made by baking small balls of dough in a circular cake pan.
It gets its name from the fact that it’s usually eaten with your hands, just like monkeys eat their food!
Why Is Soda Bread Called Soda Bread?
Soda bread is a type of quick bread that’s made with baking soda instead of yeast.
This means that it doesn’t need to rise, or sit, before it’s baked. That’s why it’s called “soda” bread, because the dough is “quick” or “instant”.
Why Is Pumpkin Bread Called Pumpkin Bread?
Pumpkin bread is called pumpkin bread because of the ingredients that are used. It is a type of quick bread that’s made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and flour.
It’s often mistaken for a cake because it’s so moist and flavorful.
However, pumpkin bread is actually classified as a bread because it’s made with baking soda, not yeast.
Why Is Naan Bread Called Naan Bread?
Naan bread is a type of leavened flatbread that’s popular in India and Pakistan.
It’s made with flour, water, yeast, and milk, and it’s cooked in a tandoor, or clay oven.
The word “naan” comes from the Persian word for “bread”.
Why Is Shortbread Called Short?
The reason shortbread is named bread is interesting.
In the past, all biscuits and cookies were called “breads.” It wasn’t until later that the word “cookie” was introduced, and the word “bread” was reserved for items that were made with flour, water, and yeast.
Shortbread is a type of cookie that’s made with flour, sugar, and butter.
It gets its name from the fact that it contains a high ratio of “shortening”, or fat, to flour. This makes the dough very crumbly and “short.”
Why Is White Bread Called White Bread?
White bread is made with wheat flour that has been milled to a very fine powder.
This type of flour contains very little of the bran and germ, which gives wheat flour its brown color.
Bread that’s made with white flour is often called “white” bread because it has a lighter color and texture than bread that’s made with whole wheat flour.
Why Is Banana Bread Called Bread And Not Cake?
Banana bread is actually a cake. It’s often made with all of the same ingredients as a regular cake, including flour, sugar, eggs, and baking soda.
The only difference is that banana bread also contains mashed bananas.
The reason it’s called “bread” and not “cake” is because it was originally baked in a loaf pan, just like regular bread.
Over time, people started adding frosting and decorations to banana bread, making it more cake-like.
Why Is Sourdough Bread Called Sourdough Bread?
Sourdough bread gets its name from the fact that it’s made with a sourdough starter.
This starter is a mixture of flour and water that’s been fermented, or allowed to sit out for a period of time.
The fermentation process gives sourdough bread its distinctive sour taste.
Why Is Tiger Bread Called Tiger Bread?
Tiger bread gets its name from its unique appearance. The dough is baked in a loaf pan and then covered with a light coating of syrup.
This gives the bread a shiny, golden-brown crust that’s covered with tiger-like stripes.
Why Is Fairy Bread Called Fairy Bread?
Fairy bread is a type of party food that’s popular in Australia and New Zealand.
It’s simply white bread that’s been spread with butter and then sprinkled with hundreds of tiny colored balls of sugar.
Why Is Sweet Bread Called Sweet Bread?
Sweet bread is a type of bread that’s made with sweetened dough.
The dough can be flavored with various ingredients, such as chocolate, fruit, or spices.
Sweet bread is often baked in a loaf pan and then sliced and served like regular bread.
Why Is Patato Bread Called Patato Bread?
Patato bread is a type of bread that’s made with potatoes.
The potatoes give the bread a moist, dense texture. Patato bread is often flavored with onions, rosemary, or other herbs.
Even though patato bread is called “bread,” it’s actually more similar to a cake or quick bread.
This is because it doesn’t contain any yeast, which is what makes regular bread rise.
Why Is Ezekiel Bread Called Ezekiel Bread?
Ezekiel bread is a type of whole grain bread that’s made with sprouted wheat, barley, and beans.
It gets its name from the Bible verse Ezekiel 4:9, which says, “Take also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and spelt, and put them in one vessel.”
This bread is often called “sprouted grain bread” because the grains and beans are sprouted before they’re ground into flour.
Ezekiel bread is also high in fiber and protein, making it a great choice for breakfast or snack time.
Why Is Panera Bread Called Panera Bread?
Panera Bread is a chain of bakery-cafe restaurants that’s headquartered in the United States.
The word “panera” comes from the Spanish word for “breadbasket”.
This is a fitting name for the company, as its menu is filled with various types of bread, pastries, and sandwiches.
Why Is Cornbread Called Cornbread?
Cornbread is a type of bread that got its name due to being made with cornmeal.
It’s a popular food in the southern United States, where it’s often served as a side dish.
Cornbread can be either sweet or savory, depending on the ingredients that are used.
Why Is French Bread Called French Bread?
French bread is a type of bread that’s made with wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast.
It got its name because it’s a popular food in France and has a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior.
Why Is Gingerbread Called Gingerbread?
Gingerbread was called bread because in french “pain d’epices” meaning “spice bread”.
It’s a popular food during the holiday season, when it’s often used to make gingerbread houses.
Even though gingerbread is called “bread,” it’s actually more similar to a cookie or cake.
Why Is Milk Bread Called Milk Bread?
Milk bread is a type of soft bread that’s made with milk, water, flour, yeast, and sugar.
It is called milk bread because milk is one of the main ingredients.
It’s a popular food in Asia, where it’s often eaten as a part of a meal or as a snack.
Why Is Plain Bread Called Plain Bread?
The reason it is called plain bread is because it doesn’t have any added ingredients, such as fruits, nuts, or seeds but is solely made with wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast
Plain bread is also sometimes called white bread or brown bread, depending on the type of flour that’s used.
It’s a popular type of bread all around the world. Plain bread has a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior.
Why Is Pita Bread Called Pita Bread?
Pita means “bread” in Greek, so it’s no surprise that this type of bread is called pita bread.
Pita bread is a round, flat loaf of bread that’s made with wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast.
It’s a popular food in Greece and other Mediterranean countries, where it’s often used to make sandwiches or as a side dish.
Pita bread has a pocket-like shape that’s perfect for holding fillings.
Why Is Pan Bread Called Pan Bread?
The word pan means “bread” in Spanish, so this type of bread is called pan bread.
Pan bread is a type of bread that’s made with wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast.
It’s a popular food in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, where it is incorporated in many dishes.
Why Is Quick Bread Called Quick Bread?
Quick bread is a type of bread that’s made without yeast.
This means that it doesn’t need to rise, so it’s often quicker and easier to make than regular bread.
Quick bread can be either sweet or savory, and it comes in many different varieties, such as banana bread, cornbread, and muffins.
Why Is Wonder Bread Called Wonder Bread?
The name “Wonder Bread” was chosen to reflect the fact that the bread was white and perfect in every way.
Even though Wonder Bread is called “bread,” it’s actually comes closer to a cake or pastry.
Wonder Bread is a type of bread that’s made with flour, water, sugar, yeast, and other ingredients.
It’s a popular food in the United States, where it’s often eaten as a part of a meal or just as a quick and delicious snack. Wonder Bread has a very soft and fluffy texture.
Why Is Rye Bread Called Rye Bread?
The reason rye bread got it’s name is because it’s made with rye flour.
This type of flour is different from wheat flour, which is what’s used to make most other types of bread.
Rye bread has a slightly sour taste and a dense, chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
So now that you know the origins of the word “bread” and the meanings of all those different types of bread that are out there, you can impress your friends and family with your knowledge whenever you’re enjoying a nice, warm slice.
The next time you take a bite of bread, think about its fascinating history and the many different cultures that have enjoyed this delicious food!
Bon appetit!