How did the Celts make bread?

Here's a step-by-step overview of how the Celts made bread:

1. Harvesting and Milling the Grain:

- Celts grew various grains such as wheat, barley, and oats.

- They harvested these grains during the summer and used hand-held sickles or scythes.

- Once harvested, the grains were threshed to separate the kernels from the stalks.

- To grind the grains, Celts used rotary querns or saddle querns. These were typically two round stones where one stone was moved in a circular motion against the other, crushing the grains into flour.

2. Preparing the Dough:

- The ground flour was mixed with water to form a dough.

- Various types of flours were used depending on the available grains and the desired bread texture.

- Some bread recipes included the addition of herbs, nuts, or berries to enhance flavor.

- Leavening agents were not commonly used, so Celtic breads were typically unleavened.

3. Shaping the Dough:

- The prepared dough was shaped into various forms.

- Some common shapes included round, oval, or elongated loaves, as well as smaller round rolls.

- Flatbreads were also common and were often cooked on hot stones or clay ovens.

4. Baking the Bread:

- Wood-fired ovens were used for baking bread. These ovens were constructed with stones, clay, or earth and heated with wood.

- Once the oven was hot enough, the loaves of bread were placed inside using long-handled wooden paddles.

- The bread was baked until it had a golden-brown crust and a firm interior.

5. Cooling and Storing:

- After baking, the bread was removed from the oven and left to cool on racks or wooden boards.

- Once cooled, the bread was stored in baskets, cloth bags, or cool and dry places to prevent spoilage.

It's important to note that the exact techniques and ingredients used in Celtic bread-making may have varied among different regions and over time. The information provided here is based on archaeological evidence and historical records, but the details could differ depending on the specific Celtic tribe or time period in question.