Ten Amazing Facts About Pretzels You Won’t Believe Are Real

If you like your snack bread the chances are good you enjoy the taste of a nice pretzel. They come in a variety of flavours and styles, but what is more interesting is their history and stats. So sit back and grab some pretzels because here are ten amazing things about that very snack…

FACT 1: Its Name Means “Little Rewards”

Despite the fact that they come in a variety of sizes including large their name means “little rewards” which in Latin is “pretiola”.

FACT 2: Pretzels Are Still Used in Wedding Ceremonies

While this was more popular in the 16th century, it was said the bride and groom should break the pretzel and make a wish and that wish will come true. Even though it isn’t as common as it used to be, the practice still remains popular today, and the pretzels are usually included with wedding catering County Durham services (or similar services elsewhere). Additionally, this is where the term “tying the knot” comes from.

FACT 3: Pretzels Came Before Chocolate Eggs

While these days people hide chocolate eggs for an Easter hunt it used to be done with Pretzels! I just hope they were wrapped somehow rather than just hidden under bushes.

FACT 4: The Worlds Largest Pretzel Was 8.93 m (29 ft 3 in) long by 4.06 m (13 ft 3 in) wide

Made by Pilsener Industries it was done on the 25th of October 2015 in El Salvador, Central American. It weighed 783.81 kg (1,728 lb) and was longer than most small aircraft!

FACT 5: Pretzels Where Used For Lent

You might be wondering why Pretzels were used for Easter (see fact 3) and the answer is down to their original ingredients. Being originally made with no eggs, lard or dairy people of the Catholic faith would use them during the season of Lent which of course is the fasting period leading up to Easter.

FACT 6: There is a Pretzel Museum!

Located in Pennsylvania, North America is the “The Pretzel Museum” where it describes the history and local connection to our favourite snacks. If you do decide to go there you will enjoy the informational movies, the history of pretzel makers and even some actual pretzels for sale! What might be even more interesting is if you go to sites like https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/obituaries/all/usa/pennsylvania/philadelphia/philadelphia-inquirer, you might find substantial information about the pretzel makers! A real turn-on for the history and food buffs, I tell you!

FACT 7: A Pretzel Made Without Salt is Called a Baldie

Some would say a pretzel without salt isn’t a pretzel all and its nothing more than a funny shaped bagel. But those in the pretzel know they are called “Baldies”.

FACT 8: April 26th is National Pretzel Day.

While it is only the people of Pennsylvania who celebrate it in any official capacity it is still classed as an official holiday. In some places in Pennsylvania on this day you can even get free pretzels from local stores!

FACT 9: A Pretzel is Used as a Bakery Emblem

The pretzel has been in use as an emblem of bakers and formerly their guilds in southern German areas since at least the 12th century and many of the traditional bakers still use this emblem today and it can be found gold cover outside many bakery shops.

FACT 10: The 3 Mian holes Within the Pretzel Mean Something!

This once again goes back to its use in certain religions and it is said the 3 main holes or caps are the three persons of the Holy Trinity: The Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost!