Most food historians agree that bagels originated in Poland, created by Jewish communities. The circular shape was said to “symbolize continuity and good fortune, making [bagels] a popular gift for new mothers”. It didn’t take long for these baked goods to become household staples.
In the late 1800s, Jewish immigrants from Poland and Ukraine began arriving in New York City, bringing bagels with them. Bakeries started appearing all over the Lower East Side, and bagels gained popularity among customers due to being cheap, filling, and easy to eat on the go.
Bagels took New York City by storm, with over 70 different bakeries operating by the early 1900s. In 1907, the International Beigel Bakers’ Union was formed to control the production of bagels in the city. The union decided both who was allowed to make bagels and the methods used, ensuring consistency and maintaining the quality of bagels in NYC. Bagels were so important to life in the city that shortages caused when workers went on strike were called “bagel famines”.
Today, the average New York City resident eats over 100 bagels a year. So, what makes NY-style bagels so special?
Some people say it’s the water. It has been suggested that New York’s water has “a perfect ratio of calcium to magnesium,” giving the water a “soft” quality which allows it to meld perfectly with the gluten in the dough. Supporters of this theory argue that “because most states receive water from different locations, each state’s bagels come out a different way,” meaning you can only get a true NY-style bagel in New York.
Regardless of whether the water theory is true or not, NY-style bagel recipes have two key steps vital to creating that signature chewy texture. First, the dough must be allowed to rest in the fridge before rolling. This chilling assists in the fermentation process, creating a richer, fuller flavor. Second, the bagel is boiled in a mixture of water and baking soda before baking. This step is necessary to form the shiny and crisp outside while maintaining a doughy inside.
So wherever you are, make sure to stop by your local bakery today and enjoy a tasty piece of history!
