With their twisted shape and unique flavour, pretzels are a recognisable food worldwide but in recent years they’ve become very popular in Australia! From the traditional German Brezel (known in Australia as soft pretzel), to buns, rolls and sweet pretzels, many restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries and supermarkets are adding them to their menus or retail lines. But what makes the pretzel so delicious? We’ve traced its history to uncover how the pretzels came to be, why they are so deliciously twisted and how it’s they’ve evolved to be enjoyed all over the world today. There are many versions of the story regarding the pretzel first came into being. Some say they were invented by a Spanish monk, who would give them to students as a reward for their good behaviour and saying their prayers. They may have also been perfect for the Catholic faith during lent, with flour and water not being on the fasting list. Others believe that they were invented when a group of local high ranking officials held a group of German bakers hostage. However they came to be, we’re glad they did as they’re recognised as a favourite across the globe today. How did the twisted shape come to be? This has eveloved over time, beginning with the belief that they were representative of hands being held in prayer to Trinity. Others believe they were a symbol of human sacrifice to Sirona, the Celtic goddess and the rope of dough is a three-part noose used to hang the sacrifices. The Unique Taste of a Pretzel All pretzel dough is made with a consistent ratio of flour to water, 3:1 flour and water (or liquid). Variations in quanities of sugar or other ingredients, give each pretzel its own unique flavour. Pretzels owe their unique flavour and texture (crisp on the outside and soft in the middle), to the malt syrup and a baking soda bath used in the proving process.