History of Baking

Around 4000 B.C. the first bread was produced by Egyptians, who it is believed had learned the skills from the Babylonians. those were unleavened flat breads, though there was usually some natural leavening due to the fermentation of noble rot, wild yeast or steam. Some breads and cakes were shaped in the form of animals and used by Egyptians for sacrifices. The Egyptians are credited with inventing grinding materials, enclosed earthenware baking containers, crude ovens, and the use of the leavening process which utilizes a piece of day old dough to introduce fermentation. 

The first public bakeries were established in Greece, sometime between 200 -300 B. C. While the Romans were the first to promote the training and refining of baking skills and established the first corps of bakers in the western world. The United Kingdom established the first guild that set standards of baking and an apprenticeship of 7 years leading to a master baker certification.

In 1604, baking was brought to America by the Jamestown colonists. The industry flourished with the country in the last half of the 19th century. Construction of ovens and mixing troughs was much improved. Other baked products like pies, biscuits, crackers and cookies were introduced. Wheat and baked products were shipped and introduced to the East.

In this picture on the right by historiccookingschool.com it say's on the picture "Hot, Spice gingerbread, smoaking hot." Wheatley's "Trades."

 Obviously the guy is selling hot spice gingerbread in which children loves to buy because of it's cute shapes like animals and others. The Merchant uses a hand-cart as a shop on wheels, in contrast to the rather primitive shops of the ordinary merchants.

In this picture on the left two Ladies are making and selling breads for passers-by. 

As you can see the lady at the back carrying her child are watching the two ladies bake some breads for them.

I hope you enjoy the tour to what baking is in the old days and I hope that i have given you some knowledge and history about baking. Thank you for reading my article! "Bake All You Can"