Quck answer
Pitas are a type of bread that originated in the Middle East. They are round, flatbread pockets that can be filled with various ingredients. While the majority of pitas have pockets, not all of them do. Some pitas are made without pockets and are simply flatbread. The presence of a pocket in a pita depends on the recipe and the method of baking. Pitas with pockets are commonly used for making sandwiches or filled with dips and spreads. However, both pocketed and non-pocketed pitas can be enjoyed in different ways, depending on personal preference.
Are you a fan of bread? It plays a crucial role in many of our beloved dishes. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches would be extremely difficult to consume without bread. Can you even imagine pizza without its crust? Messy! And hamburgers and hot dogs just wouldn’t be the same without their buns.
If you have an affinity for Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine, there’s one type of bread that you’re probably already familiar with. What could it be? The answer is the pita bread, of course!
Traditional pita bread is a circular bread that contains a hollow pocket in the center. Pita bread is baked in ovens that can reach extremely high temperatures (at least 700° F). The pocket in a pita is formed by steam, which causes the dough to expand during the baking process. Once the bread cools down, it returns to a flat shape, but a pocket remains in the middle of the bread.
The pockets in pita bread make them perfect for creating sandwiches, wraps, and other handheld recipes. For instance, pita bread is commonly used in popular Middle Eastern dishes like gyros and falafel.
The word “pita” is derived from the Greek word that means “flat” or “solid.” It is the term used in the West to describe Arabic bread known as khubz, which is a basic flat, round, wheat bread typically baked in a brick oven.
Pita bread is often sliced into smaller pieces and used for scooping sauces and dips, such as olive oil and hummus. In this sense, they are similar to tortilla chips. Some manufacturers have even started making special seasoned pita chips that are crunchier and thicker than regular chips.
However, in the Western world, pita bread has gained popularity because of its pocket, which makes it convenient for making sandwiches. Almost any ingredient, ranging from meats and cheeses to vegetables and salad, can be used to transform a pita into a delicious sandwich.
Pita pockets are also employed in many other parts of the world to create traditional sandwiches. For example, Greek cooks often use pita pockets for making souvlaki or gyros. Similarly, Turkish cooks frequently wrap kebabs in pitas.
Give It a Try
Feeling hungry? Explore more about pita bread by engaging in the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Ask an adult friend or family member to take you on a field trip to a local grocery store. Go to the bread section to find pita bread. How many different types of pita bread can you find? Also, check the snack aisle to see if there are any pita chips available. If possible, purchase a few different types of pita products to try at home.
- Do you enjoy eating pita bread? Here are some fun and tasty recipes you can try with your friends and family members: + Pita Pockets + Pepperoni Pizza Pita + Pita Bread
- Do you have any Greek or Middle Eastern restaurants nearby? Ask an adult friend or family member to help you locate a restaurant that serves pita bread in the form of gyros, falafel, or kebabs. What do you think? What’s your favorite way to eat pita bread?
Sources of Wonder
- http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-pita-bread.htm (accessed 13 Dec. 2018)
- http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Pita.html (accessed 13 Dec. 2018)
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