Bratwurst debate in Thuringia: tradition or deception?

Bratwurst debate in Thuringia: tradition or deception?

In the social media, it is bubbling: A Facebook post on the "Original Thuringian Rostbratwurst" of the Wolf butcher has caused over 1,200 comments and more than 2,000 reactions within a very short time. The occasion? A provocative comment that questions the name of the sausage as the "original Thuringian". This discussion has achieved a remarkable width, but the main point remains: How original can a Thuringian rust bratwurst be if it is brewed in production? Thuringia24 reports about it and highlights the heated opinions between lovers and critics of the product.

The tradition of the Wolf butchery goes back over 100 years and has its roots in Schmölln and Jena, while the company headquarters in Schwandorf, Bavaria. However, the “original Thuringian Rostbratwurst” is produced exclusively in Thuringia and is subject to the EU seal of the protected geographical indication (G.G.A.). This seal of approval not only guarantees the origin of the product, but also ensures compliance with traditional manufacturing processes, which is of the utmost importance for many consumers.

variety of requirements

How exactly is the Thuringian rust bratwurst produced? The requirements include a weight between 100 and 150 grams, a length of 15 to 20 centimeters as well as the use of high -quality raw materials and special spices. In addition, a certain fat content and the use of natural intestine is required. However, the discussion shows that the type of preparation, especially brewing, is a thorn in the side of many consumers. This could prevent some from enjoying the sausage - although the defenders of the sausage argue that the brewing of durability serves and respects traditional sausage techniques.

Uwe Keith, the chairman of the association "Friends of the Thuringian Bratwurst", emphasizes that the selection of the preparation method is responsible for every company and consumer. What you don't like to be a pleasure for another. The personal feeling of taste plays the crucial role here.

What is G.G.A.?

The protection for products such as the Thuringian rust bratwurst should not be underestimated - there are a total of around 1000 products in the EU that are protected by specific properties, traditional manufacturing processes or their reputation. In Germany there are currently 91 products under this protection, which was introduced by the EU in 1992. Under the protected names, not only sausages, but also regional specialties such as the Altenburg goat cheese or the Thuringian liver sausage, all of which are manufactured according to traditional recipes Agrarmarketing Thuringia.

It is important to know that the G.G.A. A connection between an agricultural product and its area of ​​origin is documented, in contrast to the protected original designation (G.U.), only one production step in the area of ​​origin has to be carried out. So the Thuringian Rostbratwurst remains a prime example of the diversity and the deeply rooted culinary traditions in the region.

The discussion about the Thuringian Rostbratwurst illustrates how alive the eating culture of our time is. Even in the age of finished products and convenience food, many consumers are looking for authenticity and quality. The G.G.A. stands here as a symbol for constant values ​​and regional identity that will continue to be very popular (https://www.bmel.de/de/themen/landwirtschaft/agrarmaerkte/Schuetzte-lahlungen.html).