A Brief History of the German Pretzel

There are a lot of popular snacks, but few of them have the same rich history as the German pretzel. Even though it originated in Europe, variations of the pretzel can be found in North America, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. One of the best parts of the pretzel is its versatility. Essentially, people can put their own twist on the pretzel to make them as delicious as possible.

The History of the Pretzel

Even though people closely associate a pretzel with Germany, it actually has a history that is a bit more complicated than that. The roots of the pretzel start in Germany, but the first pretzel dates all the way back to the start of the Middle Ages. Evidence shows that people made pretzels in 610 AD.

At the time, an Italian monk taught children in Northern Italy. He is believed to have invented pretzels to use as a reward for children. When children said their prayers properly, they got pretzels as a treat. He made pretzels with folded arms in the shape of a knot to resemble arms folded in prayer. Even though it is difficult to verify history going back this far, it is one of the commonly accepted tales.

Eventually, pretzels became an integral part of southern Germany, which is credited as the birthplace of soft pretzels. During the 12th century, bakers in and around Bavaria formed pretzels in different shapes to represent their guilds. In essence, pretzels were like a coat of arms. As the years went on, many unique twists were placed on the German pretzel. They started to be made using gingerbread, cinnamon, and numerous other toppings. Pretzels made their way across Europe, particularly into Switzerland, where they underwent several changes. Now, pretzels represent the different cuisines in various regions worldwide.

How To Make a Great Pretzel

Lots of people want to learn how to make a delicious pretzel. It depends on the quality of the dough, the type of water used, and the toppings people put on the pretzels. Our Chef Peter created the video above and recommends using the best equipment available: 

• Bakers Pride Oven: This is a powerful, versatile oven that can be used to make pretzels. It has two independently controlled cooking chambers, allowing bakers to customize them to meet their needs. Each chamber even has a 15-minute electric timer with a stainless steel exterior and four-inch adjustable legs. It is portable, versatile, and easy to use.
• Globe Mixer: A delicious pretzel is impossible if the ingredients are not mixed properly. That is where the Globe Mixer can be helpful. It is a unique mix of durability, performance, and value. It even has a touchpad control system with a 60-minute digital timer. 
• Globe Scale: Precision is critical when making a pretzel, and that is where the portion control scale can be helpful. Its accuracy is unparalleled, it is very easy to use, and it is perfect for anyone looking to get the right ratio of ingredients for the perfect pretzel.

With the necessary equipment, it is possible to make a delicious pretzel that everyone with German heritage can be proud of. By combining this equipment with the right ingredients, everyone can enjoy a delicious pretzel as a treat. 

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