The privately run "Pretzel Museum" opened in Philadelphia in 1993, but is now defunct. Pittsburgh’s largest pretzel manufacturer of the time, H. B. McNeal, also reported increased sales. A pretzel (known as Brezel in German, sometimes also Brezn or Breze) is a type of baked food made from dough in soft and hard varieties and savory or sweet flavors in a unique knot-like shape, that over the centuries has made its way into history books and European culture. Be a Part of the History The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery is located in historic Lititz, Pennsylvania, in the middle of beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Illustration and photo by Alamy, Getty / Collage by Julia Lea. You Might Also Like. By 1440 the pretzel’s form was a symbol of good luck, long life and prosperity. Popular with students, athletes, professors, campus groups and Ann Arbor townies, the Pretzel Bell was a legend. New Yorkers like to think the city is the center of the culinary world, but the pretzel was actually created in 610 A.D. by European monks — and the … Yes, the pretzel really does relate to Lent - and prayer! With most of the world approaching week 6 of quarantine, cabin fever has set in for most. Sign up to get the Top Pick Of The Week, a product recommendation and … In the centuries following, the pretzel made its way into history books and European culture. Pretzel Dogs are welcomed to the menu lineup. Peanut Pie from Pie by Ken Haedrich July 18, 2013. The Twisted History of the Pretzel – Part 1 October 6, 2020 Anika Rieper Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. Explore the history of this popular snack food, from the seventh century to today. It is also a popular snack for inbetween. According to the History Channel: Though the exact origins of the pretzel remain mysterious, legend has it that the story began around A.D. … Legend has it the pretzel was invented by an Italian monk to reward young children for learning their prayers. To read more about the religious history of the pretzel and for the pretzel prayer, check out Catholic Culture’s pretzel page. They also fasted very strictly during lent, making their bread with only water, flour, and salt. In 1933, the Reading Pretzel Machinery Company invented the first machine that could bend pretzels. You’d be amazed how convoluted the history of the pretzel is. The 500-Year-Old History of Pretzel Necklaces Includes German Monks and Modern Derision. Where the pretzel first originated. Similar to the hot cross bun, there are numerous accounts regarding the origin of the pretzel. Commercial pretzel factories sprung up one after another, and today, most of Philadelphia’s soft pretzels are produced right in the city. In the seventh century, the church dictated stricter rules governing fasting and abstinence during Lent than it does today. It is part of a typical breakfast and supper. By 1450, Germans ate pretzels and hard-boiled eggs for dinner on Good Friday – the day of fasting. According to History.com, the pretzel was the perfect food for early Catholics to eat during Lent because of what it doesn’t contain and due to the church’s Lenten dietary restrictions. Although the exact origins and date of creation are not entirely understood, the pretzel has made its mark on history throughout the ages, and as such has developed in different ways. The history of pretzel! Yes it goes all the way back to the early church - at least 600AD or possilby even to 300AD! Germans love bread! Homemade pretzels were sold by street vendors and in the 1861 the first commercial company was launched by Julius Sturgis in Lititz, Pennsylvania. By Jennifer Billock. No, it isn't in the Bible, but neither is Lent. Pretzels are typically twisted into a shape that has three holes and is roughly symmetrical. As your humble fact checker, I dug further into the history of these salty treats. HISTORY. Within the Christian Church, pretzels were … The film gives the viewer some fun thoughts to chew on. The Pretzel's beginning is a little vague. Taste of Chicago July 7, 2010. An Auntie Anne’s pretzel wrapped around a Nathan’s Famous® Hot Dog is one of our most popular snacks. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The same people who take the pride in getting them just the right shade of golden brown and perfecting the fine art of the pretzel crunch. The History of the Pretzel Snyder’s of Hanover: History of Pretzels . The pretzel has a rather “twisted” history, as there are several accounts regarding its original invention. Revonah’s has been baking delectable pretzels since 1935. A 7-minute film detailing the history of this contorted wonder and demonstrating modern baking techniques is first up on the tour. Some believe the Catholic Church was responsible because of the pretzel’s ingredients. “The Catholic Church played a leading role in the early history of the pretzel. History of the Pretzel. THE NIBBLE, Great Food Finds, is an online gourmet food magazine with thousands of reviews of gourmet food and beverages, including pretzels. If you have ever wondered about where pretzels came from (aside from the oven), the following trivia might satisfy your curiosity. A pretzel is a kind of bread that is formed so that it has the appearance of a knot, and it is often coated with salt, chocolate, seeds, sugar, nuts or other flavours. The 3-part shape of the pretzel was also associated with the Holy Trinity. The first mention of the word pretzel in American print was around 1824. The hard pretzel variety didn't arise until Julius Sturgis created the very first commercial pretzel-making facility in – you guessed it – Pennsylvania. Philly Pretzel Factory stores offer a free pretzel to each customer on this day. Discover the fascinating history of Unique Pretzel Bakery, in the heart of pretzel country in Reading, PA, and the Spannuth family's unique legacy of pretzel innovation since the late 1800s. The Pretzel Peddler is a family-owned business located in Southeastern Michigan, tracing their roots back to the 1960's. Historians believe that it was created in 610 AD By monks in a monastery in Southern France or Northern Italy where they would use scraps of dough from their bread baking and formed them into strips to represent a child’s arms folded in prayer. In the morning they eat a roll with jam, in the evening it’s a slice of bread with cold cuts or cheese - and probably with a pickle. The pretzel as a snack independent of beer grew so popular that some manufactures began abandoning the traditional curved shape for the pretzel stick, which was easier and faster to produce at a time when all pretzels were still made by hand. The company has built a reputation of serving quality products with attention to detail. History Of The Pretzel History Of The Pretzel As with all meals, there is a history to be traced, a starting and an evolution. Famous factories include the Federal Pretzel Baking Company at 6th and Federal and the Center City Pretzel Company at 8th and Washington. A monk shaped this in the form of praying arms for children, and the pretzel was born! In 2003, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell declared 26 April "National Pretzel Day" to acknowledge the importance of the pretzel to the state's history and economy. Orange Candied Ginger Chocolate Shortbread December 14, 2016. There, he created hard pretzels because they would last better in transport, allowing him to sell his creations in distant stores and keep them on the shelves longer. Our History Is In The Baking. Though “pretzel” is ostensibly a German word, it was the Dutch who first brought the snack to New Amsterdam during the city’s early colonial era. The history of pretzels and a review of H.K. Pardon the pun but get ready for a lot of twists. Tangled Noodle March 30, 2010 at 10:59 am. For instance, certain pretzel historians claim the pretzel is the world's oldest snack food. The pretzel is a beloved favorite snack food that has a long, mysterious history. A Long History. The soft pretzel has a long history, dating to 610 A.D., when French monks twisted and folded extra bread dough into the shape of a person’s hands criss-crossed on the chest, each palm touching the opposite shoulder, which was the traditional posture for prayer. It's about tradition, and prayer and it's a marvelous tool to capture children's interest. To begin, there are a number of claims to the pretzel’s origin. Follow along as we taste our way through the Bavarian region of Germany, Austria and more! Today, the legend has returned after closing more than 30 years ago. 2006 Auntie Anne’s is named a World-Class Franchise, the most prestigious rating in franchising, given by FranSurvey®. Historians believe that it was created in 610 AD By monks in a monastery in Southern France or Northern Italy where they would use scraps of dough from their bread baking and formed them into strips to represent a child's arms folded in prayer. The Pretzel Bell originally opened its doors in 1934 and became the campus watering hole of choice for nearly 50 years. Strawberry Pretzel Salad Serves: 12 Hands on time: 1 hour Total time: 3 hours Ingredients 1 2/3 cup finely crushed pretzels 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted 2 cups sliced strawberries 2 cups sugar 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, plus more for serving 1 (15-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice Twisted History: The Pretzel Regardless of its many origin stories, the Pretzel is a popular treat! Revonah Pretzels are crafted by people who really care about pretzels. These include 1) the ancient Romans. In Lynne Meredith Golodner’s book, The Flavors of Faith: Holy Breads, I discovered a second legend concerning the pretzel’s origin. Anderson pretzels. Pretzels, Beer Steins & German Beer have become iconic symbols of a good German celebration or party. History of the Pretzel The Pretzel's beginning is a little vague.