pastry etymology

Etymology

The word "pastry" comes from the Old French word "paste" or "pastee," meaning a dough made from flour and water. It is believed that the word "pastee" originated from the Latin word "pasta," which referred to a mixture of flour and liquid that was used to make various types of food.

Meaning

In modern English, "pastry" has two main meanings:

• A dough: A type of dough that is made from flour, water, and sometimes fat, such as butter or shortening.
• A baked food: A food item made from pastry dough, typically filled with a sweet or savory filling. Examples include pies, tarts, and croissants.

Origin

The earliest known use of the word "pastry" in English was in the 14th century. However, the practice of making and eating pastries dates back thousands of years.

Archaeological evidence suggests that people in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were making bread-like pastries as early as 6000 BC. These early pastries were typically made from a simple dough of flour and water, and they were often filled with fruits or vegetables.

Over time, the art of pastry making spread throughout the world. In ancient Rome, pastries were known as "placentae" and were often served at banquets. In medieval Europe, pastry doughs became more elaborate, and pastries became an essential part of royal feasts and other special occasions.

By the 18th century, pastry making had become a highly refined craft. French pastry chefs developed many new techniques and recipes, and French pastries became renowned for their delicate flavors and intricate designs.

Today, pastries continue to be enjoyed by people all over the world. They are a staple of many different cuisines, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors.

pastry relate terms

• paste

  Etymology The word paste comes from the Middle English word paste which in turn come

• pasta

  Etymology The word pasta originates from the Latin word pasta which means dough o

• shortening

  Etymology Old English scortnian before 12th century meaning to make shorter From

• pasta

  Etymology The word pasta originates from the Latin word pasta which means dough o

• chiffon

  Etymology The word chiffon originates from the French word chiffe meaning rag M

• kit cat

  Etymology The term kit cat has two possible etymologies From the Kit Cat Club A gro

• puff

  Etymology The word puff is derived from the Middle English word puffen which means

• Danish

  Etymology The name Danish originates from the Proto Germanic word Daniz which is itsel

• dowdy

  Etymology The word dowdy is derived from the Middle English word dowde meaning stu

• dough

  Etymology The word dough comes from the Middle English word dowgh which is derived

• flour

  Etymology Middle English flur fleur Old French flor Latin flos flower Meaning