Bagels have long been one of America's favorite food products. Since 1995 bagels sales have increased by 500%, and everyday more and more franchises emerge competing to serve the best bagels in the States. The history of the bagel however is much older. Estimated to have originated in Europe around 400 years ago, its introduction to American society came sometime in the 19th century by the Jewish Polish immigrants who arrived in New York at this time. Since then, the Big Apple has almost become synonymous with the popular bread product, and it has been embraced by the whole of the United States in the last century. So what is is about Bagels that everybody loves so much?
For NYBagelCafeDeli (NY Bagel Cafe & Deli Franchise), part of what makes the bagel so great is its versatility. But so is all bread you say?! Well, not exactly. For sandwiches, bagels make the perfect structure. Baked with high-gluten flour, the dough is boiled before it is baked. This is what gives bagels their rich caramel color, and makes them structurally tough and slightly chewy. These characteristics make them perfect for filling, being able to hold the contents of the sandwich, be it from pastrami and lettuce to cheeses and chickens. At NY Bagel & Cafe, there are twenty varieties of bagel filling, each a specially conceived combination of flavors to complement the bagel shape. Following on from this, the specific taste of the bagel also means it complements not only savory fillings, but is also great with a variety of sweet options, not unlike the world popular pancake.
The size of the bagel also makes it the perfect food for breakfasts and for lunches. Never too filling, but just enough to satisfy the stomach, bagels are the perfect size for the average appetite. They are quick to prepare, satisfy the stomach and allow infinite variations of fillings, making them the perfect meal for certain parts of the day.
The simplicity of the bagel underpins its appeal to not only North American's, but communities throughout the world. It trumps bread in the interest, taste, structure and versatility department, and remains one of the cheapest bread products we can purchase in stores. The history of the bagel has a long and interesting past, and looks set to have a long and prosperous future across the globe. Watch a NY Bagel Cafe & Deli – Video here to learn more about America's favorite bread product
