Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: The Best Episode Since Sliced Bread
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Jan 22, 2025 Dive into the fascinating history of bread, with a spotlight on the revolutionary invention of sliced bread! Discover how this modern convenience emerged less than 100 years ago, transforming meal prep and giving birth to the sandwich. Explore Otto Frederick Rohwetter's inspiring journey from jeweler to culinary innovator. Uncover the cultural shifts brought on by this simple slice, including its surprising impact during World War II and how it changed baking forever.
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Sliced Bread's Short History
- Sliced bread, surprisingly, has been around for less than 100 years.
- People were slicing bread at home long before, notably for sandwiches, documented as early as 1840.
The Inventor of Sliced Bread
- Otto Frederick Rohwedder, a jeweler with an ophthalmology degree, invented the bread-slicing machine.
- A fire destroyed his prototypes in 1917, but he persevered, finally selling the first machine in 1928.
Early Sliced Bread Challenges
- Rohwedder's initial sliced loaves were messy, held together with a hatpin.
- Baker Gustav Poppendick improved the process by wrapping the loaves, ensuring freshness and easier handling.