Bratwurst, the quintessentially German sausage, has long been the source of controversy regarding its provenance and dialectical differences. The Thuringian bratwurst may be best known for its remarkable size, reaching up to 15-20 centimeters. Today, it has the recognized protected geographical status under European Union law! At the same time, the Nuremberg bratwurst, which is just 8 centimeters long, receives these kinds of protections. This enduring debate demonstrates bratwurst’s cultural importance in Germany. Despite the popularity of frankfurters, their consumption has plummeted down to only 2.4 kilograms per person per year.
Tölen writes that Bratwurst has its roots in a decree from the Nuremberg city council established in 1313. This royal edict laid down detailed instructions for the production of sausages. These strictures mandated the use of only pork loin for the production of bratwurst. This seemingly simple decision set the stage for the dish’s development. A municipal ordinance from 1404 in Arnstadt, Thuringia is the first written record of the bratwurst. This archaeological find pays honor to the sausage’s continued lifestyle in German gastronomic heritage.
Thuringia and Nuremberg are famous for their bratwurst. If we’re talking about bratwurst, Coburg has the trump card with a length of up to 25 centimeters! This delicious diversity makes the debate even more chippy as each area of the argument stakes their claim to their special variations of bratwurst.
The German Bratwurst Museum, found in Mühlhausen, pays homage to this classic sausage while transporting visitors through its rich tradition. To find out more about bratwurst, head over to their official site here.
Archaeologists in Erfurt discovered mentions of a brath ütte, or meat-roasting stand. This salt stand functioned on Merchants’ Bridge at least since 1269. Given the evidence at hand, Thomas Mauer, managing director of Wurstkuchl in Regensburg, warns against jumping to firm conclusions.
“I consider it very bold to conclude from this that bratwursts were cooked there,” – Thomas Mauer
The dispute between Thuringia and Bavaria on the true origins of bratwurst has lasted for 25 years. But just as Bavaria pretends the bratwurst was invented in the late 14th century, so too does Thuringia insist its invention dates before 1404.
Most people would agree that bratwurst is an important piece of German culture. They contend that it should be recognized as a distinct ancient culinary tradition. Pronounced regional differences steep German gastronomy in tradition. These books show how integral food is to cultural identity.