Baking through the ages

What comes to your mind when the word ‘Bakery’ is said? Probably the warm and fuzzy feeling associated with the smell of freshly baked bread. Having said that, we have come a long way from baking bread over a hot rock in the wilderness before the invention of fire, to red velvet cupcakes. The earliest record of an oven was arguably found in Croatia dated 6500 years back. The ancient Egyptians baked using yeast, which earlier they used only to brew beer. Several experiments in the kitchen led to the bread we eat today.

In the middle ages, only the rich and elite used to enjoy good quality wheat flour bread and cakes were mostly for special occasions. The hard rye bread was for the less fortunate. Ovens were mainly for commercial purposes. Few rich households had baking equipment. People usually had to visit bakeries to buy bread. However, baking is not just about cakes and breads. It is also about pies, pizzas, cookies, tarts, quiches, pretzels and more. Economic growth eventually led to an emerging middle class and globalization transformed baking during the 16^th and 17^th century. With the price of sugar going down, people had more access to cookies, biscuits and even pastries by the end of 17^th century.

However, the advent of baking powder in the late 18^th and early 19^th century saw the emergence of lighter cakes. By this time, even the working class had access to fine baked goods at least during festivals and special occasions. And, cakes have generally been associated with celebrations, be it Christmas or weddings.

Victorian Wedding Cake Design samples

Modern era naked cake

Coming to the modern era, shows like Masterchef have opened our eyes to a million possibilities where baking is concerned. We now see more decorative and extravagant baked items. Baking novelty cakes for occasions is a profession of many bakers. Celebratory cakes may even cost more than $1000 depending on the bakery. Imagination has no bounds anymore with almost every modern household having access to baking equipment. It’s not just baking anymore. It’s an expression of self, a work of art.