What makes an ideal loaf of bread? Is it the texture, the flavor, the ratio of bread to air pockets, or how much it lends itself to the formation of an excellent sandwich? As it turns out, the only way to answer this question is to conduct a national taste test—enter the Tiptree World Bread Awards. (Fittingly, the awards are sponsored by jam and preserves company, Wilkins & Sons, located in Tiptree, England).
Hosted in New York City on Oct. 30, 2019, the World Bread Awards compared freshly baked loaves of bread from across the country, all of which were delivered on the morning of the competition for maximum freshness. More than 30 judges, including Dana Cowin, the former editor-in-chief of Food & Wine and current host of the Speaking Broadly podcast; Jim Lahey of Sullivan Street Bakery, and David and Tracey Zabar of Zabar’s, the landmark speciality food store on New York City's Upper West Side.