Pretzel

File:Breze.jpg

A german pretzel.

A pretzel (French: Bretzel, Alsatian: bradchdal, German: Breze or Brezel) is a baked snack that originated in Germany. It is traditionally twisted into a unique knot-like shape. The pretzel dough is made from wheat flour and yeast. Before baking, it is dipped into "Natronlauge" (English: [sodium lye] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help), sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) or sodium carbonate solution (Na₂CO₃)) and sprinkled with coarse salt. During baking, a Maillard reaction then gives the pretzel its characteristic brown color and distinctive flavor. In Bavaria, it is obligatory in a Weißwurst breakfast.

Because they are made mostly of wheat, pretzels can be problematic for people who have wheat allergy, coeliac disease, or wheat intolerances.

There are different types of pretzels, like chocolate pretzels.

Pretzel Media

• Hortus Deliciarum 1190.jpg

  Pretzel depicted at a banquet of Queen Esther and King Ahasuerus. 12th century Hortus deliciarum.

• Alsace, Bas-Rhin, Strasbourg, " marché de Noël " place de Broglie (4840720073).jpg

  Christmas market in Strasbourg; mulled wine and pretzels sold

• Weisswursttopf Brezn Senf.jpg

  Traditional Weisswurst meal, served with sweet mustard and soft pretzels

• Russenbrezel 26.jpg

  Sweet pretzel with almonds

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  Pretzels 01

• Pretzels.jpg

  good snacks

• Philly style pretzel.JPG

  Philadelphia-style soft pretzel

• Union Square Greenmarket, Manhattan, New York City (4027125807).jpg

  A street vendor in Union Square, New York City selling pretzels

• Christmas tree pretzel - 2020-04-19 - Andy Mabbett - 03.jpg

  A miniature salted pretzel, shaped like a Christmas tree. Sold in England by Aldi in 2019.

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  The pretzel has been in use as an emblem of bakers, here with two lions, in Görlitz, Germany.

Other websites

• Sturgis Pretzel House: Pretzel History Archived 2007-05-20 at the Wayback Machine
• German Brezel History
• Video Clips of Pretzel
• History at Snyders of Hanover Archived 2007-05-13 at the Wayback Machine