Battle of the Baguettes

After spending a year living in France, it wasn’t hard to realise that the French are experts in the art of making the tastiest baguettes known to humanity. In fact, it is impossible to buy one and not eat a single piece before you return home. For example, it was normal for me to reach my apartment with only ½ a baguette left.

Having returned to the UK for sometime, I have tried to recreate that excursion to varying degrees of success. Some supermarkets have produced their own artisan stick. Here is a small review of what’s on offer in the UK.

Artisan Baguette: 4/10

Looks tasty and is an authentic shape at least. However, the baker needs to realise that this stick should be crispy on the outside. However, they are always too under cooked and spongy. Shame !

Tescos: Stone Baked Baguette: 7/10

This is the best on offer from a supermarket. It lacks a little taste but the texture is comparable to a 'baguette de campagne'. It is a bit tough on the mouth, but is nice with soup when thinly sliced.

Somerfield: White Baguette: 1/10

Wow, this is a funny one. The flour must be made from the sweepings gathered from the shop floor, then they are washed to remove any hint of a taste, baked and wrapped. Brought it, binned it !