Pretzels (50g)

La Fabrique's hard pretzels are easily recognisable with its two delicately knotted arms crafted from sticks of dough, that are knotted in the factory of Murten in Switzerland. The method of production reproduces the traditional gestures of masterbaker André Cornu (founder of the company). The fabrication process is automated but was never industrialized. It remains an artisanal product of the highest quality.

Health and environment: Vegetarian, No Palm Oil, No GMOs.

History of the Pretzel:
The many anecdotes about the origin of the pretzel is witness to its popularity and the infatuation it arouses. The shape of the pretzel undoubtedly evokes "crossed arms". Hence the first legend perpetuated until today:

First legend: In the year 610, a monk inspired by the folded arms of his classmates at the time of prayer, would have worked leftover dough in the shape of crossed arms.

Second legend: The following story, however, is better known: in 1477, a baker of the king's court would have cooked his bread so badly that he was thrown into the dungeon. For such a crime, the verdict was public execution. But the baker was allowed to escape the sentence if he invented, within three days, a loaf "through which the sun would shine three times". The baker then imagined what is known in the profession as a "decorated bread", that is to say handmade without mold. Crossing the two ends of a dough ribbon, he formed three holes - and thus saved his head!

The brine that covers the pretzel was also born in a fortuitous way: asleep near the hot oven, the baker's cat would have knocked over a plate containing the pretzels that were to be put in the oven. They would have landed in a basin filled with boiling brine, actually prepared to season dishes. There was no time for the baker to remake the dough, so he decided to bake the pretzels covered with brine.

Third legend: One day a king's minister was having breakfast in an inn. The pretzels that were served to him had a very different taste from the sweet pretzels of the carnival because the baker would have mistaken bowls and instead of coating his pretzels with a sugar icing, he would have smeared with a solution of baking soda, normally used to clean the oven plates!

Fourth legend: In the 17th century, the interlocking loops of the pretzel became the symbol of undying love. The legend has it that in 1614 in Switzerland which happens to be the country of origin of masterbaker André Cornu, royal couples would have used a pretzel in their wedding ceremonies in order to seal the bond of matrimony, and that this custom could have been the origin of the sentence "tying the knot".

The Pretzels Today:
The pretzel chips / pretzel crisps are a healthy snacks and fine bakery products that belong to the gourmet food family. Pretzel bites are very popular party snacks, and a much appreciated finger food. You love snack foods? Then you should definitely try these party appetizers.

Food Pairing
The hard pretzel is popular and irreplaceable on so many occasions: at home when welcoming guests, tea time, aperitifs, conferences, vernissages, and other official assemblies. The pretzels accompany perfectly champagne, wine, beer, and other beverages. They are also savored as is.

Storage Advice
Store in a cool and dry place.
Once open they are best kept in a cool dry place, preferably in an airtight package, protected from light.