The History of Pita Bread

Pita, or pita bread, dates back at least 4,000 years. It’s thought to have been created in the Mediterranean region around the 21^st century BC, most likely by the Amorites or Bedouins, both of whom were living in the area during that time. If you’ve ever wondered, pita gets its characteristic “pocket” from steam as it cooks. While it’s been a staple part of many diets for thousands of years, it didn’t gain popularity in the United States until the 1960s, when Harry Toufayan, the son of an Egyptian baker, began to sell it on the East Coast. Because pita contains less sodium than other breads, it was considered a health food until low-carb and gluten-free diets became more prevalent. Although it’s no longer touted as a health food quite as often, pita bread continues to be a beloved food item all around the world and is an especially popular food truck offering, perhaps because it’s easy to eat on the go.