Hello, everyone!
This time, we introduce the pretzel, a baked pastry bread originating in Germany.
Once you learn about its history and trivia, you'll be hooked for sure!
Please be sure to watch until the very end.
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What is a pretzel?
Pretzels are baked bread snacks originating in Europe, particularly Germany.
Its distinctive twisted shape and rich, toasty brown color are its defining features.
The distinctive knot shape of pretzels is said to represent “arms crossed in prayer before the chest.”
Therefore, while it carries religious significance, other ring-shaped or rod-shaped objects also exist.
Characterized by a flavor profile featuring the aroma of wheat and a subtle saltiness, it comes in two varieties: soft and hard.
Soft pretzels are similar to savory bread, allowing you to savor the rich flavor of wheat.
On the other hand, hard pretzels have a savory cracker-like flavor and can be enjoyed as a snack or_ appetizer.
It's truly a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many different ways depending on the occasion.
The History of Pretzels
The origin of pretzels dates back to around the 6th to 7th centuries.
It is said to have originated from the prayer-like shapes of fabrics used in monasteries in Italy and_ southern France.
There is a theory that the monk shaped the dough into a crossed-arm form and named it “pretiola” (little reward).
The three holes are said to symbolize the Trinity.
Another theory, the “little arms” theory, suggests that the German word ‘Brezel’ (pretzel) derives from the Latin “bracellae” (little arms).
By the 12th century, pretzels were already depicted in the coat of arms of the South German bakers' guild.
From this, we can see that pretzels were used as a symbol of professional skill.
Furthermore, pretzels appear in medieval texts and manuscripts, suggesting they had become established as a food with religious significance.
After the 18th century, immigrants from southern Germany and Switzerland brought pretzels to America.
In 1861, the first commercial hard pretzel production began in Rittzitz, Pennsylvania, accelerating industrial expansion.
With the introduction of mass-production machinery in the first half of the 20th century, pretzels became a popular snack throughout the United States.
Pretzel Trivia
1. The world's oldest “snack illustration”
The Hortus Deliciarum (Garden of Delights), a manuscript created in the 12th century by the nun Heribert, depicts bread shaped like pretzels.
This is said to be one of the earliest records of snack foods.
At that time, monasteries had a custom of eating bread in connection with fasting and religious ceremonies, and pretzels were foods imbued with religious symbolism (prayer and the Holy Trinity).
2. Weddings and Pretzels
In parts of Switzerland and Germany, a custom existed from around the 17th century where the bride and groom would share a single pretzel at their wedding.
This was a ceremony symbolizing the bond between two people, wishing for prosperity and_ happiness.
Additionally, there is a custom of breaking a pretzel to “make a wish,” which is said to be similar to the “wishbone” tradition (the American custom of breaking a bird's bone).
3. The Pretzel Maker Who Saved Vienna
During the First Siege of Vienna in 1529, a baker (also said to be a monk) detected the sound of Ottoman troops digging from underground.
Legend has it that the city was saved by that report.
It is said that because of such achievements, the Vienna bakers' guild coat of arms came to feature a pretzel.
Whether it's historical fact or legend is up for debate, but the story of the pretzel being hailed as “the bread that saved the town” is an interesting anecdote.
4. The World's Largest Pretzel
In 2008, a giant pretzel was made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, and recognized by Guinness World Records. It weighed a whopping 343 kilograms and stretched several meters long, reportedly baked in a custom-made oven.
Pennsylvania retains a strong influence from German immigrants (Pennsylvania Dutch) and is considered the home of pretzel-making.
5. National Pretzel Day
April 26th is National Pretzel Day in the United States.
It was established by the Governor of Pennsylvania in 1983 and subsequently became known throughout the United States.
On this day, chain stores like Auntie Anne's will give away free pretzels, and pretzel-themed events will be held.
This demonstrates that pretzels have become more than just a snack—they are a cultural icon.
How to Make Pretzels
Here, we'll explain the basic method for making soft pretzels in detail so even beginners can give it a try.
Ingredients (for about 8 servings)
- Bread flour … 500g
- Dry yeast … 7g (2¼ teaspoons)
- Sugar … 30g
- Salt … 2 teaspoons
- Lukewarm water (about 40°C) … 300ml
- Unsalted butter … 30g (softened at room temperature)
Finishing
- Baking soda … 2 tablespoons
- Water … 1.5 liters (to dissolve baking soda)
- Rock salt … to taste (for finishing)
- Egg yolk (for glaze) … 1
How to make them
1. Fabric Making
- First, place the bread flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl and mix.
- Next, add the dry yeast to lukewarm water and wait 2 to 3 minutes until it foams.
- Add the yeast mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients and knead until it forms a single mass.
- Add softened butter and knead for another 10 minutes until smooth.
👉 When you stretch the dough and it forms a thin membrane, it's ready (indicating gluten has formed).
2. Primary Fermentation
- Next, place the dough in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for about 1 hour (until doubled in size).
3. Molding
- Gently press the fermented dough to release the gas, then divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Stretch each one into a long rope about 40 to 50 cm long.
- Cross both ends, fold them back toward the center to form a knot shape.
4. Pre-treatment (soak in baking soda solution)
- Bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil in a pot, then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Dip the shaped dough for 30 seconds on each side, then remove.
👉 This step creates the distinctive brown color and flavor!
5. Firing
- Preheat the oven to 220°C.
- Next, arrange the dough pieces dipped in the baking soda solution on the baking sheet.
- Brush the surface with egg yolk and sprinkle with rock salt.
- Finally, bake at 220°C for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the surface turns a deep golden brown.
Finished
- Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside soft pretzels.
- Pairs perfectly with cheese sauce, mustard, and garlic butter.
- For a sweeter taste, we recommend sprinkling cinnamon sugar over the baked goods.
Tips for making it
- Always bring the baking soda solution to a boil before using → Without this step, the pretzel's characteristic flavor and color won't develop.
- If the dough is difficult to handle, chill it briefly in the refrigerator to make it easier to roll out.
- For an authentic taste, use coarse rock salt known as “pretzel salt.”
Summary
How was it?
This time, we introduced the European baked good from Germany known as the “pretzel.”
We introduced soft pretzels in the recipe, but if you'd like, we can add hard pretzels too!
Please feel free to leave your thoughts or requests in the comments.
Pretzels, too, are a food tied to history and religion!
It can be served at events like weddings, but it's perfectly fine to enjoy it at home too.
It would be nice if you could enjoy them as sweets in your daily life.
I was really curious about how to eat hard pretzels as a snack.
Beer is still the best in Germany!
I hope to write about beer and more.
Please give pretzels a try!
Thank you for staying with us until the very end!
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