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PITA BREAD

Pita Bread
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Cut pita bread into wedges and use as dippers for baba ghanoush and hummus.

Also known as “pocket bread,” pitas are traditional Middle Eastern flat breads that split horizontally, creating a pocket that can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients to make a sandwich.

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Varieties

Pitas are available in whole-grain and white flour versions, and come in several sizes.

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Buying and storing tips

Buy pita in the bread, bakery, or refrigerated-foods section of most natural food and grocery stores. Choose the whole-grain variety whenever possible. Store in a plastic bag at room temperature, and use within a week.

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Availability

Pita bread is available year-round.

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Preparation, uses and tips

Stuff whole-grain pita with diced fresh vegetables, sprouts, and low-fat dressing; cut into wedges and use as dippers for baba ghanoush (eggplant spread) and hummus (garbanzo bean spread).

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Nutritional Highlights

Pita bread (white, enriched), 1 small pita (4 inches [10cm] diameter)
Calories: 77
Protein: 2.5g
Carbohydrate: 15g
Total Fat: 0.3g
Fiber: 0.6g
*Good source of: Selenium (7.6mcg), and Thiamine (0.17mg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.

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Health benefits and concerns

Health benefits and concerns for bread
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other breads. Read about health benefits and concerns for bread for a full description.

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