Bagels, originating in 14th-century Poland, feature holes for several reasons: they ensure even heat distribution during cooking and symbolize prosperity and life in Jewish culture. The design, influenced by pretzels and later developed by Viennese bakers, allows for better cooking and handling. The round shape was also practical for medieval merchants for stacking during transport. Today, bagels remain popular not only for these reasons but also for their unique texture and ease of slicing.
The hole in a bagel allows for even heat distribution during boiling, ensuring a uniformly baked bagel and achieving the signature chewy crust.
Bagels' round shapes carry symbolic significance, believed to bring good luck to new mothers and representing the circle of life in Jewish culture.
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