La Baguette

 I asked Copilot to write me a blog post about the history of the baguette.

Here it is.

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The History of the French Government's Involvement in the Nature and Price of the Standard French Baguette

Post-Revolutionary Equality

After the French Revolution, the newly formed government introduced the concept of the "bread of equality." This law mandated that bakers could only produce one type of bread, eliminating distinctions between bread for the rich and the poor. This led to the creation of a bread that was affordable and accessible to everyone.

Standardization in the 1920s

In the 1920s, the French government passed a law prohibiting bakers from working between 10 pm and 4 am. This restriction meant bakers had less time to produce traditional round loaves, leading them to create longer thinner breads that could be baked more quickly. This is one of the factors that contributed to the modern baguette's shape.

Cultural Symbol

The baguette became a symbol of French culinary tradition and identity, especially after World War II. It represented France's recovery and prosperity, and the government played a role in promoting it as a staple of French cuisine.

UNESCO Recognition

In 2022, the craftsmanship of the baguette was named to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its cultural significance and the importance of preserving traditional baguette-making techniques.

Price Control and Government Support

The French government used to regulate the price of bread, including baguettes, but this changed in 1987. Since then, bakeries have been free to set their own prices. However, there have been discussions and measures to support bakers, especially in light of rising costs for ingredients and electricity.

In recent years, concerns about rising wheat prices and electricity costs have led some bakers to consider raising their prices. The government has stepped in with measures like the "electricity damper" to help bakers manage their bills.