The Upsetter: Soda Bread

And its real place in Irish History

The emergence of soda bread as the pre-eminent and the best-loved bread ever made in Ireland did not evolve from a charismatic, enduring culinary tradition.

Traditional breads in Ireland, in fact, were oatcakes, barley bannocks and breads leavened with barm beer and soured potato juice.

Soda bread only …