We’ve all had the experience of getting that extra bagel, loaf of bread, or treat from a bakery when buying a dozen. But why did baker’s decide to start doing this?
The common belief is that it all started back in medieval times. The English bakers would give an extra loaf when selling a dozen in order to avoid being penalized for selling a short weight. If sold bread that came in weighing less than was ordered they would face hefty fines or public shame for selling ‘underweight’ bread. therefore it was better for them to just give extra.
I always thought they were just being nice, but like most things in life it all comes down to the bottom line. Nowadays it’s more of a nice gesture/tradition though.
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