“the Breadbasket of Europe …”

Ukraine has been a formidable producer of grains such as wheat, rye, millet, oats, and the staple buckwheat since time immemorial, so it is no wonder that bread is an ancient symbol of Ukrainian hospitality. In fact, bread plays an integral role in so many holidays, rituals, and celebrations, that a home without it would just be unthinkable. As a result, breadmaking has risen to an art form in Ukraine, revealing an amazing range of shapes, textures, and tastes. Bread is the holiest of all foods to Ukrainians and nary a crumb is wasted.