April 26th is National Pretzel Day, when everyone in the US can enjoy one of these doughy, salty treats in celebration. With a host of National Pretzel Day deals, coupons, free pretzels and more, this day is not to be missed of pretzel lovers.
In this article we’ll take a close look at National Pretzel Day history and facts. We’ll also discuss pretzels themselves, helping to get your tastebuds tingling in anticipation of National Pretzel Day.
What is National Pretzel Day?
Simply put, National Pretzel Day is a day to celebrate the pretzel. This food holiday was created to give you an excuse to enjoy one of America’s favorite treats (as if you needed one!). It is also a day that retailers, restaurants and bakeries can use to promote special offers and to give their brand a push.
Food holidays don’t always have a reason or a back story. There are exceptions to that rule, of course, but National Pretzel Day is not one of them. This is simply a celebration of the pretzel. It is a day for pretzel lovers, including those who eat them, those who cook them and those who sell them.
So, if that includes you, then make a note on your calendar and prepare for the next April 26th.
The History of the Pretzel
There are a few different accounts concerning the origin of the pretzel. Many believe that it was invented by a monk in Europe, most likely in Germany. They were more likely based on a position of prayer, and one story suggests that they were given to children as a reward for saying their prayers.
Whatever the origin of these baked goods, we can be confident that they have existed since at least 600AD. These baked goods were brought over to the shores of America by the Pennsylvania Dutch. They took root in the state of Pennsylvania and began to grow from there.
At the time, many of the pretzels produced were hard, but soft pretzels became more common in the 20th century, at which point they spread to Illinois, New York and Philadelphia. And while pretzels were not invented in the United States, this is where they are at their most popular. Not only do we have National Pretzel Day, but we also consume more than any other nation and in many European countries that were introduced to these sugar-laden treats long before we were, it’s actually very difficult to find a bakery that sells them.
Five Facts About Pretzels
So, now that you’re prepared with National Pretzel Day knowledge, it’s time to get your tastebuds tingling even more. Take a look at these fun pretzel facts:
- The average American eats about 2 pounds of pretzels every single year.
- Pretzels are at their most popular in Philadelphia, where they consume around 12 pounds per person, much higher than the national average.
- The pretzel industry is worth about half a billion dollars every year, of which Auntie Anne’s takes a sizable share.
- Although Philadelphia eats more pretzels than any other state, 80% of the country’s pretzels are produced in Pennsylvania.
- Pretzels were nearly responsible for the death of a president, as
- George W. Bush is said to have lost consciousness when choking on in one in 2002. He was in the Oval Office at the time.
