Al-Hassawi Red Bread
Al-Hassawi Red Bread, a popular bakery specialty of Al-Ahsa Governorate in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is made using dates, particularly those produced by the governorate's farms. In 2024, it was included in the "Breads of the Creative Cities" initiative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Ingredients of Al-Hassawi Red Bread
Al-Hassawi Red Bread is also known as Date Bread or Tannour Bread because it is traditionally baked in a clay oven fueled by palm trunks, karb, or firewood. Local artisans from Al-Ahsa Governorate have inherited the craft of baking and selling it and have preserved it as a cherished part of their folklore. The red bread is made from whole wheat flour, bran, dates, black seed, Al-Hassawi sweet seed, sesame, cardamom, and saffron.
Making Al-Hassawi Red Bread
Al-Hassawi Red Bread is made by first soaking dates in water for a specified period to create date water. The kneading process then begins by gradually mixing flour into the date water until a firm dough consistency is achieved. The dough is shaped by hand into small circles, according to the desired size of the loaf. During the final preparation, Al-Hassawi sweet seed, black seed, and other ingredients are added as desired. The dough is then left to ferment for a short time before being prepared for the pre-baking stage.
Nutritional value of Al-Hassawi Red Bread
Al-Hassawi Red Bread offers many nutritional and health benefits, as it is made from key ingredients such as whole wheat flour, date infusion, which is rich in natural sugars, black seed, and Al-Hassawi sweet seed. These ingredients provide a nutritional profile rich in proteins, fats, sugars, and essential nutrients, including essential fatty acids, folic acid, B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, and vitamin A.
The bread also contains important minerals needed for healthy organ function, such as zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus, along with antioxidants. Additionally, its high dietary fiber content helps promote a feeling of fullness for extended periods.
Breads of the Creative Cities
Al-Hassawi Red Bread, Klija, and Al-Malla Bread were included in the Breads of the Creative Cities Initiative on July 10, 2024, as they reflect the history and cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia’s creative cities recognized by UNESCO. These cities include Al-Ahsa, a creative city in handicrafts and folk arts; Buraydah, a creative city in culinary arts; and Taif, a creative city in literature. The breads must be made with local flour and maintain a strong connection to each city’s culture, as these baked goods and their traditional preparation methods embody the richness and cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia’s creative cities.