How was bread first eaten?

It's impossible to say definitively how bread was first eaten, as the earliest bread-making techniques and methods of consumption predate written records. However, we can make some educated guesses based on archaeological evidence and anthropological observations:

Early Bread:

* Ancient Grains: Early breads were likely made from ground grains, possibly barley, emmer wheat, or einkorn wheat.

* Flatbreads: The earliest breads were likely flatbreads, baked on hot stones or in clay ovens. These breads were probably unleavened, meaning they didn't contain yeast or other leavening agents.

* Simple Tools: Bread-making tools were likely basic, like wooden mortars and pestles for grinding grains and flat stones for baking.

How it was eaten:

* Whole, Simple: Early breads were likely eaten whole, without being sliced or spread with toppings.

* Finger Food: They may have been eaten by hand, perhaps dipped in soup or stew.

* Accompaniment: Bread was likely eaten as an accompaniment to other foods, like meat, vegetables, or fruit.

Over Time:

* Levain & Yeast: Later, people began using levain (sourdough starter) and eventually yeast to create leavened breads. These breads were softer and had a longer shelf life.

* Elaboration: Over time, bread-making techniques became more complex, resulting in different shapes, textures, and flavors.

Conclusion:

While we can't be certain about the exact methods of eating the first bread, it's safe to assume that early breads were simple, flat, and eaten whole, possibly dipped in sauces or used to scoop up other foods. Bread has evolved significantly over millennia, but its fundamental role as a staple food remains unchanged.