March 21 French Bread Day

French Bread Day is on March 21st enjoyed by millions across the US each year.

While the baguette claims the title of “French bread,” France produces many other famous types of bread including: croissants, brioche, pain de campagne, batard, pain de mie, and fougasse.

Beginning in 1920 a labor law prevented bakers from beginning their day before 4 a.m. Bakers adjusted by shaping their loaves of bread so they baked more quickly and evenly. As a result, the long, narrow loaves were found to be convenient for slicing and storing.

The French are known for their high standards where culinary arts are concerned. To preserve quality in their bread, laws were passed requiring minimum quantities of certain quality ingredients in each loaf of bread.