Paris, May 06, 2024, The Europe Today: In a triumphant display of skill and camaraderie, an 18-member team of bakers in the French city of Suresnes, nestled in the western suburbs of Paris, etched their names into the annals of culinary history on Sunday, clinching the coveted Guinness World Record for crafting the longest-ever baguette, measuring a staggering 143.53 meters (461 feet) in length.
The monumental achievement not only surpassed the previous record by an impressive margin of over 10 meters but also marked a glorious return of the title to France, wresting it back from the grasp of bakers hailing from Como, Italy, who had held sway for the past five years.
The feat unfolded amid much fanfare during an event organized by the French Confederation of Bakers and Pastry Chefs, underscoring the collaborative spirit and dedication of the participating artisans.
Dominique Anract, President of the Confederation, hailed the record-breaking endeavor as a testament to the indomitable spirit and collective sportsmanship of the bakers. “A record for the longest handcrafted baguette requires true spirit and collective sportsmanship,” remarked Anract, emphasizing the integral role of bread as a cornerstone of gastronomic excellence and cultural heritage.
The meticulous process of creating this culinary marvel adhered strictly to the exacting standards prescribed by Guinness, ensuring that the iconic symbol of Frenchness met the requisite specifications. According to Guinness rules, the baguette must maintain a consistent thickness of at least 5 centimeters (just under 2 inches) throughout, mirroring the quintessential characteristics of its traditional counterpart. Comprising solely of wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast, the monumental loaf embodied the essence of authentic French baking tradition.
Initiating the arduous task in the predawn hours, the dedicated bakers commenced the laborious process of kneading dough for the 152-kilogram (335-pound) delicacy, which demanded a staggering quantity of ingredients, including 90 kilograms of flour, 60 liters of water, 1.2 kilograms of salt, and 1.2 kilograms of yeast.
The culmination of their efforts saw the mammoth baguette baked to perfection in a specially constructed, slow-moving wheeled tent oven, meticulously calibrated to ensure uniformity and excellence in every inch.
Expressing pride in Suresnes’ pivotal role in this historic achievement, Mayor Guillaume Boudy lauded the bakers for their unwavering commitment to upholding the rich tradition of French artisanal craftsmanship. “Suresnes is proud to have been the scene of this record for the longest baguette in the world, which promotes a national symbol of our gastronomy as well as the artisans who perpetuate their know-how,” affirmed Mayor Boudy, underscoring the profound significance of bread as a catalyst for communal bonding and conviviality.
Following the official certification by Guinness officials, a portion of the monumental baguette was ceremoniously sliced and distributed to eager onlookers, symbolizing the spirit of generosity and sharing ingrained in French culinary tradition, while the remainder was graciously donated to support those in need, exemplifying the enduring values of compassion and solidarity.
