Yes, you read that right. Despite being commonly associated with Germany, Bretzels are thought to have originated in France during the Early Middle Ages. These delicious perfectly baked treats were initially created by monks who would prepare them as a sign of good faith to their congregations.
Over time, the Bretzels became quite popular both in France and Germany. It was in Germany that they eventually evolved to the familiar shape that we know today: the twisted wreath. As for their name, the word Bretzel or Pretzel is derived from the medieval Latin word “bracellus,” which translates to “little arm.”
Despite its German name, the popularity of the Bretzel seems to be more pronounced in France. In the French language, the snack is known as “bretzel” or “bretzelle” in the local dialect of Alsace. The Bretzel’s popularity can be traced back to its versatility and the varying ways it can be enjoyed. It can be eaten as a standalone snack or can be used to create sandwiches.
Traditionally, Bretzels come in distinct shapes, including twists, knots, and the round pretzel shape for which it’s best known. The twisted shape is said to have originated in the region of Swabia in Germany. It is said that the creation of this distinct shape is meant to represent a praying monk with their arms crossed. The knot-shaped pretzel, on the other hand, is the shape most commonly associated with Bretzels in France.
Today, Bretzels are enjoyed all over the world, particularly in Europe and America, where they’re popular snacks often consumed with a cold beer. In Germany, Bretzels are used to make an array of dishes including Bretzel Burgers, Bretzel rolls and even Bretzel croutons!
The success of the Bretzel is in its simplicity, containing only a few basic ingredients such as flour, water, salt, and yeast. Despite its simplicity, the Bretzel can be transformed with additional ingredients including poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and even cheese. Its versatility is what has made it such a crowd-pleaser, and one of the most beloved snacks around the world.
Whether enjoyed in a movie theater, at a sports game, or as a snack on the go, the Bretzel is undoubtedly one of the most beloved snacks of all time. Despite originating in France, there’s something about its German associations that have made it a staple food across Europe and America, a true symbol of international food culture.
As you next snack on a Bretzel, pause to think about its rich history and try to imagine its humble beginnings as a gesture of goodwill created by French monks. One thing is for sure, the Bretzel has come far since its inception, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.