Purple guy >:)

Prompt

Bread! Such a simple yet fascinating topic. Where to even begin?Bread has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years, dating back to ancient times. The earliest evidence of bread-making comes from around 10,000 BC in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. Wild grasses were gathered, crushed into flour, and mixed with water and salt to create a basic flatbread. Over time, humans experimented with different grains, additives, and cooking techniques to create the diverse array of breads we enjoy today.From a chemical perspective, bread is primarily made up of carbohydrates in the form of starches and sugars. When dough is mixed, yeast fermentation converts sugars into carbon dioxide gas, causing the dough to rise. The Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars, occurs during baking, giving bread its characteristic browning color and complex flavor profile.Bread plays a huge role in many cultures around the world. In France, crusty baguettes are a symbol of national pride, while in Italy, crusty ciabatta and fragrant focaccia are staples. In the Middle East and North Africa, fluffy pita bread is often used to scoop up flavorful dips and stews. In Scandinavia, dark, dense rye breads are popular paired with meats and cheeses.Beyond its culinary significance, bread has also played an important symbolic role throughout history.