Soda bread is a quick bread which is leavened with baking soda. It is traditionally made with only four ingredients: buttermilk or sour milk, flour, salt and baking soda.Society for the Preservation of Soda Bread: Irish Soda Bread
History
Though soda bread is often linked with the Irish, it appears it was invented by Native Americans, who used soda ash to leaven their bread. Bicarbonate of soda, commonly known as baking soda, did not come to Ireland until the 1840s, and soda bread likely came shortly thereafter.Society for the Preservation of Soda Bread: Irish Soda Bread
Soda Bread Recipes
Society For the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread: Irish Soda Bread Recipes
Food Network: Sweet Irish Soda Bread | Oatmeal Soda Bread | Soda Bread Recipes
Epicurious.com: Mini Walnut Soda Breads | Soda Bread Recipes
Recipeszaar: Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread | Soda Bread Recipes
BBC Food: Soda Bread | Soda Bread
Land O' Lakes: Irish Soda Bread
New York Daily News: Recipe: Make your own Irish Soda Bread (March 15, 2009)
Baltimore Sun: St. Patrick's Day Ideas (March 15, 2009)
Boston Globe: Soda Bread with Golden Raisins (March 12, 2009)
Times Union: Irish Soda Bread from Living Without Magazine (March 15, 2009)
References
Fast Facts
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First soda bread recipe was published in 1824
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Most common variety is Irish soda bread
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Uses baking soda instead of yeast
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"Damper" is the Australian name for soda bread
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Soda bread with raisins is called "Spotted Dog"
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Irish soda bread is traditionally baked with a round cross on top
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The cross was used to make the soda bread easier to quarter
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Cross also allows the bread to expand without cracking
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In Northern Ireland some people shape their soda bread in triangles
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The soda bread triangles are called "farls"
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If your soda bread contains eggs, sugar, baking powder or shortening it is instead called "Railway Cake"Society for the Preservation of Soda Bread: Irish Soda Bread
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Many of the recipes for soda bread found online contain ingredients that are not traditionalSociety for the Preservation of Soda Bread: Irish Soda Bread
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Traditional soda bread does not contain ingredients like fruit zests, whiskey, honey, sugar, eggs, garlic or creamsSociety for the Preservation of Soda Bread: Irish Soda Bread
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Soda bread tends to dry out quickly
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Usually only good for two or three days
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Best served warm or toasted
