Matzo

Matzo (or matzoh) is a crisp, unleavened flatbread that is traditionally eaten during Jewish Passover, symbolising the unleavened bread the Jews ate during their exodus from Egypt. In accordance with Jewish dietary laws, matzo served during Passover does not contain any type of leavening agent, such as yeast, baking powder or bicarbonate of soda, or any flavouring or seasonings. However, matzo produced at other times of the year may have additional ingredients such as egg, salt or fruit juice.

The plain white wheat flour dough is rolled into thin sheets and baked in a very hot oven, which causes trapped air bubbles in the dough to expand. This produces a light, airy cracker, somewhat similar to a water biscuit, which may be broken up and served in individual pieces.

Matzo may be served throughout the year as an appetiser or snack, and they are particularly good with cheese. They may also be ground to make matzo meal, or used as ingredient fro matzo soup, matzo dumplings (known as matzo balls) or a variety of other sweet and savoury dishes.