Exploring Traditional German Regional Cuisines, Wines, and Beers

I was first introduced to German cuisine by my father who as a soldier in the British Army spent some time in Germany and he would bring home German foods and treats. Memories of these set me to thinking and, as a result, this article came into being.

Germany, a country with a rich tapestry of history and culture, is equally renowned for its diverse culinary traditions. From hearty meats and sausages to delicate pastries, German cuisine offers a plethora of flavours and textures. 

Complementing these dishes are a wide variety of regional wines and beers, each with its own unique characteristics. In this blog post, we'll embark on a gastronomic journey through Germany, exploring traditional regional cuisines, wines, and beers.

Bavaria: The Heart of Hearty Cuisine

Culinary Highlights:

Bavaria, located in southern Germany, is synonymous with hearty and robust cuisine. The region is famous for its sausages, particularly Weisswurst (white sausage) made from minced veal and pork back bacon, flavoured with parsley, lemon, mace, onions, ginger, and cardamom. Pretzels (Brezn) and mustard are traditional accompaniments. Another Bavarian classic is Schweinshaxe, a roasted pork knuckle, typically served with potato dumplings and sauerkraut.

Wines and Beers:

Bavaria is renowned for its beers, particularly those brewed in Munich, such as Helles (a pale lager), Dunkel (dark lager), and the iconic Weissbier (wheat beer). The Reinheitsgebot, or German Beer Purity Law, originated in Bavaria, underscoring the region's deep-rooted beer culture. While Bavaria is more famous for its beers, the Franconian region produces excellent wines, including Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau.

Rhineland-Palatinate: A Wine Lover’s Paradise

Culinary Highlights:

Rhineland-Palatinate is a wine enthusiast's dream, but it also boasts a rich culinary tradition. Saumagen, often described as German haggis, is a popular dish made from pork, potatoes, and spices, stuffed into a pig's stomach and then cooked. Zwiebelkuchen, an onion tart, is another regional favourite, especially enjoyed during the autumn wine harvest.

Wines and Beers:

The region is home to some of Germany's most celebrated vineyards, particularly along the Moselle, Rhine, and Pfalz. Riesling, with its characteristic balance of sweetness and acidity, is the crown jewel of the region's wine production. Other notable wines include Gewürztraminer and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). While wine takes centre stage, the region also produces excellent beers, with Bitburger being one of the most well-known brands.

Saxony: A Fusion of Flavours

Culinary Highlights:

Saxon cuisine is a delightful blend of simplicity and sophistication. Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) and Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast) are staples of the Saxon diet. The region is also famous for its sweet treats, particularly Dresdner Stollen, a rich fruit bread enjoyed during the Christmas season.

Wines and Beers:

Saxony is one of Germany's smaller wine regions, but it produces some excellent white wines, including Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, and Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc). Saxon beers, such as those from the Radeberger Brewery, are well-regarded, with Pilsner being a popular choice.

Swabia: Rustic and Comforting

Culinary Highlights:

Swabian cuisine, from the southwestern part of Germany, is known for its rustic and comforting dishes. Maultaschen, often referred to as German ravioli, are pasta pockets filled with meat, spinach, and bread crumbs. Spätzle, a type of soft egg noodle, is another Swabian speciality, often served with cheese (Käsespätzle) or as a side dish to meat.

Wines and Beers:

Swabia, particularly the Württemberg region, is a prominent wine-producing area. Trollinger and Lemberger are popular red wines, while Riesling and Kerner are notable whites. The region's beer culture is equally robust, with Märzen and Bock styles being traditional favourites.

North Rhine-Westphalia: A Melting Pot of Traditions

Culinary Highlights:

North Rhine-Westphalia's cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences. Rheinischer Sauerbraten, a pot roast marinated in vinegar and spices, is a regional delicacy. Another popular dish is Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth), a combination of mashed potatoes (earth) and apples (heaven), often served with black pudding.

Wines and Beers:

The region's beer scene is vibrant, with Kölsch from Cologne and Altbier from Düsseldorf being iconic. Kölsch, a light, crisp ale, is served in tall, thin glasses, while Altbier, a darker ale, is enjoyed in shorter, wider glasses. Though not as renowned for wine as other regions, the nearby Ahr Valley produces excellent red wines, particularly Pinot Noir.

Germany's regional cuisines, wines, and beers are a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage and cultural diversity. Each region offers unique flavours and traditions, making Germany a true paradise for food and drink enthusiasts. 

Whether you're savouring a Bavarian pretzel with a cold Weissbier, enjoying a glass of Moselle Riesling with Zwiebelkuchen, or indulging in a slice of Dresdner Stollen with a cup of coffee, the culinary delights of Germany promise an unforgettable experience.

Prost and Guten Appetit!

Ideal nibbles for your barbie from Penn State

Top UK pretzel maker, Penn State Snacks, is experiencing an exciting period of growth as it launches a brand new range of popcorn and pretzel flavours this summer. And they look to be ideal nibbles to accompany your barbecue feasts this summer!

In a highly competitive market, Penn State Snacks is performing very well, with sales up 11%, so their the new range is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of the health conscious, on-the-go consumer. (EDITOR: I guess they mean you and me!)

Innovative new air popped Sweet & Salt (80g) and Monterey Jack Cheese (80g) popcorn flavours are launched this summer, along with the sizzling seasonal Spicy Tomato & Chorizo Pretzels (175g). Due to high demand, Penn State Snacks is also re-launching the popular Worcester Sauce Pretzels in share size 175g packs as well as handy 30g packs.

Steve Harger, from Intersnack, the firm behind Penn State said: “This is an exciting time of expansion for us as we launch our brand new line of popcorn and pretzel flavours. We are committed to meeting the needs of the consumer and driving forward growth throughout 2011 and beyond.

“Our team have been working hard to make certain these new flavours are of the highest quality and we would urge retailers to stock up on these guilt-free products.”

Following the trend of growth in the snacks, crisps and nuts industry, Penn State Snacks is outperforming in the baked category and with many major supermarkets stocking Penn State products and new listings in Boots and Superdrug, the brand presence is growing continually.

In a bid to refresh and add to the existing range, the growth will continue later into the year with the introduction of the only bottom coated milk chocolate pretzels on the market, as well as an addition to the seasonal range with the festive Gammon & Mustard Pretzels. (EDITOR: Must buy some for our next barbecue, they sound pretty good for barbecue nibbles, while we wait for the first food to cook!)

Steve went on to say: “All our snacks offer consumers the health benefits of a low-fat, low-calorie snack, without compromising on taste. We have been in the business of making pretzels for 15 years and after adding our delicious baked deli chips to the range in 2009, we’re now looking forward to extending further with our popcorn flavours.

“As always here at Penn State, the emphasis is on sharing and having fun and we hope our tasty new treats will continue to reinforce this.”

As the first company to produce pretzels in the UK, Penn State started production of their signature original sea salted pretzel flavour back in 1996 and since then, their popularity has steadily grown and the Great British pretzel now has a firm fan base.

Here's a twist! It's World Pretzel Day!

We kid you not! 26th April is World Pretzel Day! The Pretzel is reputedly the world's oldest snake food, so it is only fitting that the Pretzel should have its own special day.

The top-selling UK Pretzel brand, Penn State Snacks, is really going for it on World Pretzel Day (26 April) with a series of giveaways and bits of pure fun! And they, naturally, want YOU to join in!

Dating back to the sixth century monks, the pretzel is said to be the world’s oldest snack and with a wide variety of flavours, including sour cream and chive and sweet and spicy salsa - Penn State Snacks has something for everyone to enjoy. (EDITOR: In my opinion, you cannot beat the sour cream and chive flavour!)

Penn State was the first company to make Pretzels in the UK, they started production of their original sea salted pretzel flavour way back in 1996. Since then their popularity has grown and the British pretzel now has a firm fan base. 

Pretzels are now the snack of choice for millions of people around the world who crave a healthy yet delicious alternative to the standard crisp. With Penn State pretzels starting at just 94 calories and only three WeightWatchers ProPoints per 25 gram serving, it’s not hard to see why.

Steve Harger, from Intersnack, the company behind the Penn State brand said: “The average American consumes approximately 1.5 pounds of pretzels a year and we want to put the pretzel on the map here in Britain. With Penn State you can indulge in some guilt free snacking as all our products are baked, not fried and much healthier than many other snacks on the market.

“There are so many ways for people to embrace World Pretzel day. Pretzels are the perfect snack to share with others, so on April 26, why not take some packs to work to share with colleagues or invite the girls around for a night in with a girly film and some pretzels and dips? There are plenty of activities for consumers to get involved with online, and many great prizes to giveaway.”

In the build up to World Pretzel Day, Penn State Snacks is on the hunt to find the ultimate pretzel fan and is challenging members of its Facebook and Twitter sites: http://www.facebook.com/pennstatesnacks and http://twitter.com/Pennstatesnacks to prove their dedication by following a series of pretzel related challenges.

(EDITOR: And they make an ideal addition to any BBQ and a fun snack for your Royal Wedding Party!)