It has existed for so long, it is referred to as 'the oldest plant cultivated by man'. The main purpose of yeast is to serve as a catalyst in the process of fermentation, which is essential in the making of bread. This is the yeast that is most commonly used in making bread.
Research shows that ancient Egypt was the home of modern bread.
During this time, bakers were using different grains to create a variety of flavors in their breads. Wheat, which was the most common grain in Egypt, made excellent loaves. To make their breads tastier, bakers began experimenting with different ingredients. Honey, eggs, dates, seeds and spices were added to provide a welcome and delicious variety of choices. They would also often make their breads in different animal shapes - like birds, fish and cows.