Tiger bread is a bread with a unique crust pattern resembling a tiger's stripes. The spelling of the word "tiger" is straightforward; however, the origin of the word is a mystery. In terms of pronunciation, "tiger" is transcribed as /ˈtaɪɡər/ in IPA. The word "bread" is simple; it is transcribed as /bred/. So, the spelling of "tiger bread" is phonetically pronounced as /ˈtaɪɡər bred/. This tasty bread is a favourite among bread lovers and can be enjoyed plain or with toppings such as butter, jam or cheese.
Tiger bread is a type of bread known for its distinctive appearance and texture. It is typically made from wheat flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and oil. The bread dough is kneaded and allowed to rise until it doubles in size. Once risen, the dough is shaped into a loaf and scored on the top before baking.
The characteristic feature of tiger bread lies in its unique crust. Before baking, a paste made from rice flour, water, sugar, and yeast is applied to the surface of the bread. This paste creates a crackled, tiger-like pattern as it bakes, giving the bread its name. The crust becomes golden brown, crispy, and visually appealing.
The interior of tiger bread is typically soft and fluffy, with a slightly chewy texture. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making it suitable for various uses such as sandwiches, toasts, or enjoyed on its own.
Originating from the Netherlands, tiger bread is popular in various parts of the world. It is often found in bakeries and supermarkets, and its distinctive appearance sets it apart from other types of bread. Tiger bread is often enjoyed for its tactile and visual appeal, as the crackled crust adds an interesting texture to the overall eating experience.
The word "tiger bread" originates from the early 21st century in the United Kingdom. It was commonly used to describe a specific type of bread characterized by its distinctive crust pattern resembling the stripes of a tiger. However, the name "tiger bread" was not originally connected to any specific etymology or historical reasoning.
The story behind the name emerged in 2011 when a three-year-old girl named Lily Robinson wrote a letter to a British supermarket chain called Sainsbury's, asking why the bread was called "tiger bread" instead of "giraffe bread" since the pattern resembled a giraffe more than a tiger. A customer service representative, Chris King, responded with an amusing letter and explained that the name had no real reason and was simply a marketing decision by the bakery department. However, he agreed with Lily and suggested that it should indeed be called "giraffe bread".