Bread, Anyone?

I have always been a big fan of breads. Yes, that I can last a whole week just by eating bread alone. I always find myself amazed and mesmerized going inside a bakery or a café with breads displayed on the shelves. I don’t know what is with breads that gives out such fulfilling feeling. Serve it with peanut butter and jam, or tossing ham with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese, or just plainly spreading butter, toasted or not, I will take it. May it be white, brown, wholemeal, whole grain, stuffed or plain.

Bread is considered to be the oldest prepared food, dating back a few centuries ago. Flour, water, sugar, yeast, salt, eggs and milk are the most common ingredients. Keeping your breads properly is essential to maintain its freshness. A stale bread is not appetizing to see nor to taste. To make it last longer, breads can be kept in a breadbox, or wrap it with a wax paper and put it inside the refrigerator. Another thing that you should avoid when storing breads is to keep it away from items with strong smell such as onion, detergent, soap, etc. as these may affect the bread’s taste and aroma.

The health benefits of breads? It is a good source of iron, vitamins, calcium and protein. The high fiber content in the whole wheat varieties aids the digestion process. It is said to decrease the gastrointestinal tracts by keeping your digestive system on track. It can also be of great benefit to your heart, with studies showing that it can lower down cholesterol and can regulate pressure and glucose levels.

I do not have the # 1 on the list for my most favorite kind, with so many tasty bread recipes and variations available today. I always get baffled on what to take home, though I personally love the French, Italian and Japanese breads.