How Samoon Weight Varies by Production Method
The weight of a samoon bread is not a single, fixed number, which can be surprising for those accustomed to the standardized products found in Western supermarkets. The final weight depends heavily on its origin—whether it comes from a large-scale factory or a small, traditional bakery. Factory-produced samoon is often made with precise measurements to ensure uniformity. For example, some brands market their individual samoon as weighing 80 grams, while others list a weight of 92 grams. This consistency is crucial for commercial distribution and nutritional labeling. Conversely, samoon from a local, traditional Iraqi bakery will have more weight variation. Bakers in these shops often shape the loaves by hand, and dough portions might not be weighed meticulously. In times of rising flour costs, a baker might even slightly reduce the weight of each loaf to avoid raising the price, as documented in a Baghdad bakery that adjusted its loaves from 120 grams to 100 grams.
The Role of Ingredients and Recipe Variations
The ingredients used in a samoon recipe also influence its weight. A recipe that includes whole wheat flour or additional bran will produce a denser loaf, contributing to a heavier final product. Traditional recipes can also include yogurt as a leavener, which might affect the moisture content and, therefore, the weight. Homemade samoon will also vary based on the baker's chosen recipe and portioning. For instance, a recipe that yields 8 portions from a standard amount of dough will likely result in loaves weighing less than those divided into only 6 portions from the same batch size.
Average Weight: A Practical Breakdown
When trying to determine the average weight of a samoon, it's best to consider a range rather than a single figure. For commercially prepared loaves, a weight between 80 and 100 grams is a safe estimate based on available product information. However, traditional bakery loaves, known for their larger, hand-shaped form, could be heavier. Here's a quick guide to help you estimate:
- Commercially packaged samoon: Look for the weight listed on the packaging. It will be standardized to 80g, 92g, or similar precise measurements.
- Traditional bakery samoon: Loaves are typically larger and can weigh 100g or more. The weight may fluctuate depending on the baker and the cost of ingredients.
- Homemade samoon: The weight is entirely dependent on your recipe and how you divide the dough. You can use a kitchen scale to ensure consistent portions, with 80-100g being a reasonable target for a standard-sized roll.
Samoon Weight Comparison Table
| Source | Reported/Estimated Weight (grams) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HÄLSA Bake | 80g | Factory-produced; consistent serving size |
| Natureland | 92g | Factory-produced; consistent serving size |
| Traditional Bakery (e.g., Baghdad) | 100g+ | Can be larger or smaller based on bakery and flour costs |
| Standard Home Recipe | ~80-100g | Varies based on the number of portions and dough size |
| Al Arz Automatic Bakery | ~100g (1 serving size) | Based on nutritional info per 100g |
What Exactly is Samoon Bread?
Samoon is a beloved type of yeast bread with deep roots in Iraqi cuisine. Its defining characteristics include its distinctive diamond or canoe-like shape and a preparation process that often involves baking in very hot brick or stone ovens. This high-heat method gives the samoon a slightly crunchy, golden-brown exterior while leaving the inside wonderfully soft and airy. While similar to other Middle Eastern flatbreads, its unique shape and texture set it apart. It is a staple of Iraqi meals, used for everything from scooping up dips like hummus and baba ghanoush to making sandwiches filled with kebab, falafel, or cheese. Its versatility makes it an indispensable part of the Middle Eastern breakfast and dinner table.
Samoon Nutrition and Serving Size
Understanding the weight is also crucial for nutritional awareness. Since a single samoon's weight can vary, its caloric content will also change. A 100-gram serving of samoon is reported to contain approximately 288-289 calories. If you are using a smaller, 80-gram factory loaf, the calorie count would be slightly lower, closer to 230-240 calories. These figures are estimates and can be influenced by the exact ingredients, such as the use of whole wheat flour or different oils. For accurate tracking, weighing your specific loaf is the best approach. The serving size, which is typically one loaf, makes it easy to portion for meals.
How Samoon Weight Affects Your Recipes
For those making samoon at home, understanding weight and portioning is key to achieving consistent results. A kitchen scale can be your most valuable tool here. By dividing your dough into equal, pre-weighed portions (e.g., 80-100g each), you can ensure that each loaf bakes evenly and has the same size and texture. For recipes that call for a certain number of loaves without specifying weight, using a consistent weight for each portion will prevent some from being overcooked while others remain undercooked. This is particularly important for recipes that use the samoon as a base for sandwiches or other filled dishes, where a uniform size is desirable.
Conclusion
The weight of one samoon bread is not standardized but typically falls within a range of 80 to 120 grams. This variability is largely dictated by whether the loaf was produced in a large-scale factory or a traditional bakery, with factors like the recipe and ingredients also playing a role. Commercially packaged samoon often has a consistent weight for precise labeling, while traditional loaves offer a rustic, hand-shaped charm with slightly more fluctuation. For the average consumer, knowing this typical weight range is helpful for meal planning and managing nutritional intake. For home bakers, using a scale to portion the dough ensures consistent and successful results. Regardless of its exact weight, samoon remains a delicious and versatile bread cherished throughout Iraq and the wider Middle East. For more information on its origins, you can explore the Wikipedia page for Samoon.
