The History of Focaccia Bread

Focaccia has surprisingly ancient origins. Scientists believe that Neolithic communities were making focaccia-like bread in husking trays that date as far back as 7000 to 5000 B.C.E. The ancient Romans also baked focaccia. Modern focaccia appears to have been developed in Genoa, where it is still a specialty today. Historians believe it was created during the Middle Ages and served at Catholic weddings, where it symbolized blessings and prosperity. Focaccia was later introduced to the United States via Italian immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th century and brought their recipes with them. The bread became a staple in Italian restaurants and as Italian chain restaurants became increasingly popular around the 1990s, focaccia was thrust into the mainstream. Today, focaccia is extremely popular in Italy, the United States, and many other parts of the world.