Pita bread

Lebanese Style Pita Bread: White or Whole Wheat

Lebanese Style Pita Bread: White or Whole Wheat

Pita bread, especially popular in Middle Eastern countries like Lebanon, is a staple that requires few ingredients but demands considerable preparation time. This thin, round bread is well-known for its use in kebabs to create the famous lamb meat gyros. The recipe for pita bread varies slightly whether it’s Lebanese, Syrian, Turkish, or Arabic, typically made with white flour, baker’s yeast, salt, warm water, and a bit of olive oil. It’s often served with Lebanese mezzés, hummus, or grilled vegetables such as eggplants and peppers, thanks to its thick texture that makes it ideal for sandwiches.

The Caloric Value of a Pita Bread

A 100-gram serving of pita bread provides approximately 275 calories, including 56 grams of carbohydrates (with 2.2 grams of dietary fiber), 1.2 grams of fat, and amounts of potassium and sodium. Despite its caloric content, pita bread is low in fat and almost devoid of saturated fat, making it a suitable option before engaging in significant physical activities like sports or swimming. Its satiating effect helps in avoiding snacking, making it a beneficial addition to meals like soup to prevent cravings in the afternoon. Its density requires thorough chewing, aiding the digestion process.

Pita bread can be part of a diet if consumed in small portions alongside a balanced meal due to its strong satiating effect.