The Jewish-style bagel has over 400 years of history baked right into it — though most people have no idea. The first bagels appeared in 17th-century Poland, in the Jewish communities around Kraków. In fact, a 1610 record notes that bagels were traditionally gifted to women after childbirth. Its round shape symbolized the cycle of life and good fortune.
When Jewish immigrants came to America in the late 1800s, they brought the bagel with them. By the early 1900s, New York City even had an official union of Jewish bagel bakers, and this humble bread of necessity quickly became a staple of New York culture.
What makes the Jewish bagel so unique is its process — it’s boiled before it’s baked. That quick boil locks in the chewy texture and gives the bagel its signature shiny crust. Traditionally, bakers didn’t just use plain water either; they often added honey or malt syrup. The sugars added a light sweetness, a golden color, and that irresistible glossy finish.
And here’s a fun story: my great-grandfather Giovanni used to drive from upstate New York every week with a water truck just to fill up from the city and bring it back to our restaurant bakeries. Sounds extreme, right? But science has actually backed it up — New York City’s water has unique minerals and a mild, harmless bacteria that subtly change the structure and flavor of baked goods.
Even today, that old tradition continues. New York bagels still use malt syrup in the dough, while Montreal-style bagels are boiled in honey water, giving them a slightly sweeter flavor — and honestly, I kind of prefer them that way.
So next time you bite into a bagel, remember: you’re not just enjoying breakfast — you’re tasting a little piece of Ashkenazi Jewish history that traveled from Poland to North America, evolving and sweetening along the way.
If you loved this story, stay tuned — the recipe will be in my upcoming cookbook! And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
@folkmedicineremedies #history #tiktoklearningcampaign Did you know the humble bagel has over 400 years of Jewish #history baked right in to it? #easyrecipe #bagel ♬ Saudade - Gabriel Albuquerqüe
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