What is the primary ingredient in bread?

The primary ingredient in bread is flour. Flour serves as the foundation for bread-making, providing the necessary carbohydrates and proteins, particularly gluten, which is crucial for the structure and texture of the bread. When flour is mixed with water, the proteins in the flour (glutenin and gliadin) combine to form gluten, which gives the bread its elasticity and allows it to rise when yeast is added.

While water is essential for hydrating the flour and activating the yeast, it is not the primary component. Yeast, on the other hand, is responsible for fermentation, producing carbon dioxide that causes the dough to rise, but it works in conjunction with flour, making flour the main ingredient. Salt is used for flavor and to control yeast activity, but it does not contribute to the core structure of the bread itself. Thus, flour is the most critical ingredient in the bread-making process.