The spelling of the plural form of "bread crumbs" seems a bit confusing, as the pronunciation is not always reflected in the written form. The phonetic transcription of "bread crumbs" is /brɛd krʌmz/. The pronunciation of the singular form "bread crumb" is reflected in the written form, but the plural form adds an ‘s’ to the end of the word, resulting in an unexpected ‘mbz’ sound at the end. Despite this, it remains an easily recognizable term, especially in the culinary world.
Bread crumbs, also known as breadcrumbs or breading, are a popular culinary ingredient characterized by small, dried or toasted particles of bread. They are typically made from stale or leftover bread, which is finely ground or shredded into small pieces. Bread crumbs can be classified into two main types: fresh bread crumbs and dry bread crumbs.
Fresh bread crumbs are prepared using soft, fresh bread. The bread is torn or grated into small pieces and further processed to form irregular or coarse crumbs. They have a light and delicate texture and are commonly used as a topping for casseroles, gratins, or fish dishes, as they provide a crisp and golden coating when baked or fried.
Dry bread crumbs, on the other hand, are made from bread that has been completely dried out or toasted. This process removes excess moisture, resulting in a finer and more compact texture. Dry bread crumbs are widely used as a binding agent or filler in various recipes, including meatballs, meatloaf, stuffing, and breaded chicken or fish. They also serve as a crispy coating for deep-fried foods, such as onion rings or chicken tenders.
Bread crumbs add texture, enhance flavor, and help absorb moisture in dishes, contributing to a desirable consistency. They are a versatile ingredient that can be purchased pre-made from stores or easily made at home by processing bread in a food processor or grating it by hand.
The word "bread crumbs" can be broken down into two parts: "bread" and "crumbs".
The term "bread" can be traced back to Old English "brēad", which is derived from Proto-Germanic "*braudą". This word is ultimately thought to come from Proto-Indo-European "*bʰrewH-", meaning "to ferment, brew".
"Crumbs", on the other hand, originates from the Middle English word "crumme", which traces back to Old English "crume". This is believed to be related to the Dutch word "kruim" and the German word "Krume", all meaning "crumb".
Therefore, the term "bread crumbs" essentially refers to the leftover, small, and broken pieces or particles of bread.