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Salty snack lovers and pretzel fans unite! The all-month celebration pays tribute to one of the most versatile and beloved crunchy snacks of all: the pretzel. From the salted and crunchy twists to the soft, doughy, hot treat, pretzels have twisted their way into the hearts of many around the globe.
History of National Pretzel Month
With its distinctive knot-like shape, the pretzel has a rich history that dates far back — all the way back to medieval times. It is believed that the pretzel was invented by European monks as early as 610 AD as a reward or treat for children who had learned their prayers. The crossed arms of the pretzel represent folded arms in prayer.
Pretzels became popular throughout the entire European continent. But they perhaps caught hold most firmly in Germany, especially in the Bavarian region. There, they became a cornerstone in local baking traditions – one that continues to this day. Local bakeries often bake soft pretzels fresh daily and top them with melted butter and other yummy toppings. German vendors can often be found selling them at street stands in urban areas.
But what about the pretzel in the United States? Their arrival happened in 1861, when Julius Sturgis opened America’s first commercial pretzel bakery in a small town called Lititz, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. German immigrants, often called the Pennsylvania Dutch, came to America with their scrumptious pretzel recipes in hand. By 1935, the Reading Pretzel Machinery Company in Pennsylvania revolutionized pretzel production with the first automated pretzel maker, significantly boosting production rates.
National Pretzel Month honors this long-standing snack. It’s the best time of the year to appreciate the pretzel’s evolution from a simple, religious symbol to its current spot as a staple in American snack culture.
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