Explore the history and science behind bagels in this classic episode. From the rise of everything bagel seasoning to the controversial nature of bagels, delve into their characteristics, flavors, and serving methods. Discover the fascinating origins and cultural variations of bagels from around the world, as well as their symbolism in Jewish culture. Learn about the evolution of bagels, including the popular 'everything bagel' and their introduction to the American market. The episode concludes with a call for listener feedback and ads from various sponsors.
Bagels have a rich history predating the popular belief that they were invented in Poland in 1683, with early variations tracing back to ancient Rome and Egypt.
Traditional bagels are made with a yeast-raised dough that is boiled and baked, resulting in a crisp and chewy crust, and can be flavored with various toppings such as salt, poppy seeds, or dried bits of onion or garlic.
Deep dives
The History and Popularity of Bagels
Bagels have a rich history that predates the popular belief that they were invented in 1683 Poland. Early iterations of bagel-like breads can be traced back to ancient Rome and ancient Egypt. Jewish immigrants brought bagels to the US in the late 19th century, leading to the establishment of many bagel bakeries, particularly in New York. In the 1970s, bagels gained national attention, thanks in part to the availability of frozen bagels from lenders. The popularity of bagels continued to rise, resulting in increased sales and the entrance of major players like Sara Lee and Dunkin' Donuts into the bagel market. Bagels have evolved and diversified, with variations like the rainbow bagel and the everything bagel gaining popularity. Despite differing opinions on how bagels should be enjoyed, the market for bagels remains strong to this day.
The Making of Bagels
Traditional bagels are made with a yeast-raised dough that is then boiled in water and baked, resulting in a crisp and chewy crust and a springy interior. Bagel dough is often proofed in a cool area, giving lactic acid bacteria the chance to develop, adding a slight tang to the flavor. Bagels can be flavored with various toppings such as salt, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or dried bits of onion or garlic. Different regions have their own variations of bagels, such as the sweeter and thinner Montreal bagel. Bagels are typically served sliced and can be topped with cream cheese, smoked fish, or various other toppings.
The Bagel Boom and Cultural Impact
In the 1990s, bagels experienced a surge in popularity, becoming more popular than donuts. Major bagel shop chains expanded rapidly, leading to oversaturation of the market and subsequent stock drops. However, bagel consumption continued to grow, and bagels became a widely consumed food, with various national chains offering bagels as part of their menu. Bagels have become iconic in both Jewish and American culture, with bagel-related plays, jewelry, and festivals. They have also made their way into space, with astronaut Gregory Shamitov taking a bagel on a space mission in 2008.
Different Opinions on Bagels
Opinions on bagels can vary widely, from preferred flavors and toppings to whether or not to toast a bagel. Some argue for the traditional way of enjoying bagels, while others embrace new variations and toppings. Bagels continue to generate passionate opinions and debates among bagel enthusiasts. Ultimately, the enjoyment of bagels remains a personal preference, and people should feel free to enjoy bagels in the way that brings them the most pleasure.
For what seems on the (toroid) surface to be a humble bread product, bagels can inspire a lot of nostalgia -- and strong opinions. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the history and baking science behind bagels.
