10 Unexpected Facts About the History and Science of Baking Bread

3. The Medieval Bread Revolution

The medieval period saw significant advancements in bread-making, driven by innovations in milling and baking techniques. The introduction of wind and water mills revolutionized grain processing, allowing for finer, more consistent flour. This period also saw the rise of communal ovens, where villagers would gather to bake their loaves, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. Bread became a reflection of social status, with white bread reserved for the wealthy and coarse, dark bread for the lower classes. The medieval era also witnessed the emergence of sourdough, a method that relied on naturally occurring lactobacilli and wild yeasts to leaven dough. This technique, which imparts a distinctive tangy flavor, remains popular today and is celebrated for its artisanal quality.