Bruschetta, the humble Italian appetiser and classic antipasto, has a long and fascinating history. Bruschetta’s origins date back to ancient Rome, where the practice of toasting bread was a practical necessity. Farmers and labourers in Italy would use stale or leftover bread, toasting it over an open fire to restore its texture and flavour.

This toasting process, combined with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, was a frugal yet satisfying meal for the working class. ‘Bruschetta’ comes from the Italian verb ‘bruscare,’ meaning to roast over coals or to toast.