Breadstick facts for kids
Grissini in a restaurant in Turin
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| Alternative names | Grissini |
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| Type | Bread |
| Place of origin | Italy |
Breadsticks, also known as grissini or dipping sticks, are thin, crispy sticks of baked bread. They are usually about the size of a pencil. These popular snacks first came from Italy.
The Story of Breadsticks
Many people believe that breadsticks were invented a long time ago, in the 1600s. One early mention was in 1643. A person from Florence described a long, very thin bread. This bread was being made near Turin, a city in Italy.
However, the most famous story says that breadsticks started in the Piedmont region of Italy. This was also in the 17th century. A baker named Antonio Brunero from Turin created them. He made these special breadsticks for a young duke named Victor Amadeus II of Savoy. The duke had problems digesting food when he was a child. The new, easy-to-eat breadsticks helped him feel better.
How Are Breadsticks Eaten?
Breadsticks are a very popular food, especially as an appetizer. In many Italian-American restaurants, like Olive Garden, breadsticks are often served before your meal.
Sometimes, breadsticks can be larger than a pencil. They might also be soft instead of hard and crunchy. People often combine them with other foods. For example, they can be wrapped with prosciutto (a type of ham) as a fancy snack.
In North America, breadsticks are often topped with tasty things. They might have butter, garlic, and cheese on them. If you want a sweet treat, breadsticks can even be a dessert! They can be topped with cinnamon, sugar, and sweet icing.
You can also buy dried breadsticks in stores. These are great for a quick snack at home. They are a bit like a cracker. People often eat them with a dip, like cheese sauce.
In Comunitat Valenciana, a region in Spain, there is a similar type of breadstick. It is called rosquilletas.
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Unbaked home-made grissini on a baking tray, seasoned with herbs
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Wide grissini in a basket
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Grissini in the proper case to be served at table
See also
In Spanish: Grisín para niños
