A Brief History of Pita Bread

Pitas are a firm favourite at Anat and we serve them every day, filled with delicious meats, salads and sauces. Have you ever stopped to wonder where pita breads came from and how they evolved into what we know and love today? We take a look at the history of pita bread here.

Where did it originate?

While there is no certain answer here, from what archeologists can determine the pita first originated with people in the west of the Mediterranean. It is said that it was invented by either the Amorites or the Bedouins, and both desert and farming societies adopted the pita as their own. It didn’t take long for the pita’s popularity to spread as the Bedouin people travelled and traded across the Arabian and Sahara Desert.

Recipes

Originally pitas were a combination of dough that had been left to stand and collect yeast, and fresh dough, until it was discovered that brewers yeast works and yeast that could be bought in a packet at the local supermarket. The combination of ingredients used in pitas today is much the same as it has always been. In the Middle East, pitas are often still made in a backyard stove oven, compared to the store-bought pitas available today. Anat’s bakery produces authentic, delicious pita breads available at selected supermarkets across South Africa.

Pitas Around the Globe

Pita bread has been made for years and years, without any fancy technology or ovens. They bake at a high temperature for a short period of time, which helps to form that interior pocket that makes pitas easy to fill. This pocket is formed by steam which puffs up the dough during the baking process. While many people do add delicious fillings to their pitas, some people use the bread as a soft taco shell, disregarding its pocket. Pita breads are also cut up into pieces and dipped into all types of tasty sauces, depending on where you are in the world. When it comes to fillings, the options are endless which is part of what makes pita breads so popular today.

Pitas allow for delicious sandwich-like meals that are convenient and can be enjoyed on-the-go or while sitting down. They can be enjoyed by meat-lovers and vegetarians, depending on their fillings, and have been adopted across the globe. They will remain a staple at Anat, and we continue to provide them to people who want to make it their way at home, through our bakery. If you haven’t tried one of our meals yet, be sure to visit your nearest store today!