First Century kitchen page 9

First Century kitchen page 9 by ric gustafson


Bread was the key to a first century diet. It was made every day and eaten at every meal. It is part of the religious rituals of Judaism and Christianity. Jesus proclaimed that he was the bread of life. Before Jesus, bread was flat with dough from flour and water. Later, part of the dough was seperated from the rest and mixed with the next day's flour and water. This way the leavening action started faster. Each family had someone appointed to make the bread. They would light the fire in the bread oven, grind wheat for flour, make the dough and mix in the leaven from the previous day. When the oven was ready, the coals and ashes were swept  and replaced with the coals. Bread was made every day except on the Sabbath. Before bread ovens, the dough was placed on a flat rock and covered with hot coals. Bread was used as an eating utensil and as a napkin. Common and poor folk ate bread made from barley. The wealthy made their bread from wheat. Jews ate unleavened bread which was made with just water, flour and perhaps a little salt. Bread is a symbol of life and also hospitality.
Next we will talk about olives and their importance to a first century diet.


research help: ' The Food and Feasts of Jesus' by Douglas Neel and Joel Pugh


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric