Pumpernickel Bread's History and Benefits

Pumpernickel comes from two old German words "to fart" and "demon". Doesn't that sound lovely? Pumpernickel is referred to as the "devil's fart" because of the bread's indigestable qualities. That should make for some good conversation around the watercooler.

This bread was first referenced as far back as the 1450s. It's a heavy bread made out of coarsely ground rye and fermented with sourdough.

Surprisingly, Pumpernickel has some great benefits:

• It's good for people with diabetes.
• It's also good for people who have poor blood sugar control because of its low GI index.
• It aids in digestion and contains up to eight times as much resistant starch as wheat or barley based bread.
• Helps keep your blood cholesterol normal, which will reduce your risk of heart disease.
• It will reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
• Great source of fiber.

Many stores carry imitation breads, but this type of bread will not carry the benefits of traditional pumpernickel bread, so you're advised to go to artisan shops. Also, the more it weighs, the more likely it is to be the real thing. Mestemacher and Rubschlager are two good commercial brands to look for.

Here are a few ways to enjoy pumpernickel bread:

• Smoked salmon and cream cheese pumpernickel sandwiches are very yummy.
• Cucumber and cream cheese on pumpernickel is a party favorite.
• Dip the bread in humus along with a pinch of capers to give it some kick.
• Make a delicious cream cheese and pepper jelly pumpernickel sandwich.
• It's also good with just a dab of butter too.