What is the main ingredient used in traditional bread?

The main ingredient used in traditional bread is flour. Flour, which is typically made from ground grains such as wheat, serves as the primary structure of the bread. It provides the necessary proteins, primarily gluten, which give bread its shape and texture. When mixed with water, the gluten forms a network that traps air produced by yeast during fermentation, allowing the bread to rise. This is fundamental to creating the fluffy and porous interior of bread.

While water, yeast, and salt are also essential components in bread-making, they serve different roles. Water hydrates the flour and activates the gluten, yeast is responsible for fermentation and leavening, and salt enhances flavor and controls yeast activity. Nonetheless, without flour as the base ingredient, the other components would lack context and functionality in the bread-making process.