Pita

Versatile pita can be split horizontally and stuffed with sandwich fillings or baked into chips for scooping your favorite dip.

Also called pocket bread, this Middle Eastern flat bread is often split in half and stuffed to make sandwiches. It's also served with meals or cut into wedges and used for dipping with traditional dishes like baba ghanoush and hummus.

History

Pita has been used for centuries as both a serving plate and utensil, because the ingredients of a meal can be put inside. The bread was first baked by Arab nomads during their caravan travel. They used opened pitas to slide pit-roasted meats (kebabs) off of hot spits.

Varieties and Buying Tips

Pita can be found at supermarkets and ethnic markets, in white flour and whole-wheat varieties. You can also make your own homemade pita recipe.

Storage Tips

Pita can be tightly wrapped and stored at room temperature for up to five days, or frozen for up to three months.

Usage Tips

• Stuff pita with falafel, gyros or kebab meats.

• Fill with hummus, spinach, chick peas and shredded carrots for a quick and healthy lunch.

• Slice warmed pita into wedges and serve alongside chili, soups and stews.

• Split horizontally and top with feta, capers, olives and oregano for a mini Greek pizza.

• Make homemade pita chips as an alternative to store-bought crackers, tortillas and potato chips.

Try one of our favorite pita recipes:
Chicken Pita Pockets
Falafel, Vegetarian Style
Donair