Answer :
Flatbread is considered bread because it shares the basic components such as grain starch and water and follows similar baking principles as other breads, regardless of the presence of a leavening agent. The cultural significance and adaptability in using different grains and flours also contribute to the categorization of flatbreads within the broader definition of bread. The correct answer is option c.
Throughout history and across different cultures, flatbreads have been a staple, much like leavened breads have been in other parts of the world. The process of breadmaking, although varying in techniques and ingredients, often includes a simple combination of flour and water, which is a foundational recipe for many breads, including flatbreads. Some cultures have developed a tradition of making flatbreads due to various reasons like the availability of ingredients, climate conditions, or culinary preferences.
Flatbread is considered bread even though it has no leavening agent because it shares fundamental characteristics with other types of bread, including key ingredients such as grain starch and water. The definition of bread is not solely contingent on the presence of a leavening agent. While leavened breads are softer and lighter due to the production of carbon dioxide which makes the bread rise, unleavened flatbreads like tortillas or naan are still recognized as bread. The absence of leavening agents typically results in a denser product, and these breads may use alternative methods for creating texture and structure.
Additionally, the influence of different ethnic cultures has led to the incorporation of various grains and flours into bread production, which can affect whether a bread is leavened or unleavened. Flours such as corn, oats, and rice flour are used in a wide range of baking applications, including the making of flatbreads tailored to dietary needs or cultural practices.
