National Pretzel Day:

Celebrated annually on April 26th, the National Pretzel Day honors one of the much-loved snacks of the US – the Pretzels! You could enjoy a bag of crunchy salt Pretzels or a big, soft cinnamon Pretzel or the unsalted “Baldie” Pretzel today!

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Why Pretzel Day?

This Knot-ty snack is simply made by intertwining the ends of the dough like a knot forming a knotted loop!

The origin of the Pretzels has various accounts and mostly involves the Christian monks. The first one dates back to 610 AD, during which an Italian monk offered Pretzels to children as a reward for learning prayers. He designed the dough to resemble the crossing of arms across the chest like a praying posture.

Another account states that it was invented in a monastery in southern France and was closely related to the century-old Greek Ring bread used for communion. Pretzels also seemed to be part of the Roman Catholic Church and the ingredients and shape had a religious significance!

Pretzels were also considered as a perfect food during Lent as they were prepared with just flour, salt, and water.

Another legend says that the loop shapes were just a practical idea for bakers to hang them easily for display. Some believed that the knot in Pretzels symbolized a marriage union!

The Pretzels were introduced to North Americans by the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 19th century. They were widely known for their bakeries and handmade Pretzels! New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia began to enjoy the Soft Pretzels, which became popular in the 20th century.

The hard Pretzels were invented by accident when a baker found that the Pretzel baked for a longer time in the oven made it a delicious crispy treat!

Today, Pretzels are loved in the US and worldwide for their crunchy, carb-filled, salty, and sweet sensations! They can be enjoyed as a snack any time of the day. Their loop structure and the crunch make them fun food!

Pretzels can be enjoyed hard or soft and enjoying them with peanut butter, mustard, chocolate, or cheese sauce takes the experience to a whole new level!

One of the best reasons to enjoy Pretzels is that they are highly affordable – not more than $5! It is a much-loved snack at Carnivals and sports gatherings!

They are super easy to carry around the mall, office, or at the park – making it a handy snack powering you wherever and whenever you need some!

How Can We Observe National Pretzel Day:

Soak into the history of Pretzels!

Turn to the various accounts of Pretzels with your family and friends! It will be a great history lesson if your kids love learning about the past stories!

Enjoy Pretzels On Discount!

To celebrate the occasion, many bakeries and companies offer Pretzels on offers and discounts! What better way to enjoy more Pretzels?!

DIY Pretzels!

If you enjoy baking, try making a Pretzel today! You can prepare it using your mom’s, or grandma’s recipe or simply follow one of the many easy recipes available on YouTube. Based on what your family likes, you could choose to make the soft or the hard ones or both today!

Make it more fun by including your family or friends to join you in the preparation! It is an excellent day to teach your children and spouse how to make a Pretzel! Don’t forget to share your completed Pretzels on social media!

Pretzels & Dips!

Dips? Yes, Dips! You can enjoy your pretzels with various dips ranging from sweet to spicy! You could enjoy them with your homemade peanut butter, cheese dip, hummus, or chocolate dip! Or any combination of dip you love! If you don’t have time to prepare them at home, you could get a few dips from the store!

Pretzel Party!

Send invites to all the Pretzels lovers you know! Plan a few games, turn up some music and let the Pretzel party begin! You could make Pretzels at home, or order them fresh from your nearest best bakers! Don’t forget to offer different varieties of dips to give a wow experience to your guests!

Enjoy The Bavarian Way!

Hit the nearest ‘Biergarten’ with friends and family to enjoy Pretzels, mustard, and some beer!

Try the commercial hand-rolled Pretzels!

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels offer soft, hand-rolled pretzels and have over 1800 stores in the US alone! If you don’t have the time to enjoy homemade pretzels but crave homemade snacks, try a few from Auntie Anne’s!

Get Free Pretzels!

To celebrate National Pretzel Day, both Philly Pretzel Factory and Wetzel’s Pretzels give away a Pretzel for free at selected locations and times! So plan ahead, and get those free Pretzels!

Share them!

Shower love on the homeless and children in need by offering Pretzels today! You could make them or order for them to join in the celebration!

Raise funds!

Use the Pretzels to raise some funds for a cause close to your heart! You could also organize a Pretzel making competition or give away Pretzels for a certain amount!

Show some Pretzel love on social media!

Celebrate the day by sharing easy Pretzel recipes, Pretzel photos, or a video on how to make them! Encourage friends and family to celebrate Pretzel Day using #NationalPretzelDay and #PretzelDay

Interesting Facts About National Pretzel Day:

Here are a few interesting facts surrounding Pretzel Day!

• In 1850, the first functional bakery was opened in Lititz, Pennsylvania
• Eighty percent of the US’s hard and soft Pretzels are produced in Pennsylvania
• The pretzel industry in the US is worth more than $550 million
• In 1993, Philadelphia had a privately run Pretzel Museum
• The Pretzels are considered a symbol of love in some parts of the world because of their intertwined loop structure. Can’t blame them, it looks like a heart!
• An average American eats 1.5 pounds of Pretzels annually!
• Pennsylvanians eat the most Pretzels than any other state in the US!
• The unsalted version of the Pretzel exists and are called “Baldies”
• Until 1935, Pretzels were handmade
• Newlyweds in Switzerland break Pretzels on their wedding day for good luck!

History of National Pretzel Day:

National Pretzel Day was established in 2003 by the Governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell. He declared April 26th to honor Pretzels for playing a significant role in the economy and history of the US!