Bratwurst dispute: Is the Original Thuringian” really real?

Bratwurst dispute: Is the Original Thuringian” really real?

There's a lot of buzz on social media at the moment, as a Facebook post about the "Original Thuringian Rostbratwurst" from the Wolf butcher's shop has caused waves. Over 1,200 comments and more than 2,000 reactions are truly impressive. The discussion was triggered by a comment that announced quite clearly: “Shame on you to call something like that original Thuringian.” This heralded a heated debate about the quality and origin of the product on offer.

The Wolf butcher shop has a long tradition and is based in Schmölln and Jena, with the company headquarters in Schwandorf, Bavaria. Even though the company is deeply rooted in history, there seems to be misunderstandings about the product it offers. One reason for this could be the fact that the bratwurst is brewed during production. Many consumers see this as a problem and lose trust in the “originality” of the product.

What makes the Thuringian Rostbratwurst so special?

The “Original Thuringian Rostbratwurst” has an EU seal that stands for protected geographical indication (PGI). This means that this sausage is produced exclusively in Thuringia and must meet certain quality standards. To bear the PGI seal, the raw materials and spices must be of high quality. There are also clear specifications for a length of 15 to 20 cm and a unit weight of between 100 and 150 g. The fat content and the use of natural casings are also regulations that must be strictly followed. Lebensmittel Forum explains that at least one stage of production must take place in the region of origin in order to receive the prestigious seal.

The “Friends of Thuringian Bratwurst” association is of the opinion that the ingredients are fixed, while the preparation is up to every company and consumer. Uwe Keith, the association's chairman, emphasizes that the taste of the sausage is subjective and the decision whether to prefer scalded sausage or not rests with the customer. As a result, opinions about the bratwurst on social media are very mixed. One user says: “Nobody in Thuringia would buy something like that.” In contrast, other users defend the bratwurst, highlighting its quality and the need for scalding to ensure shelf life and international delivery.

A look at Thuringia's culinary diversity

However, the “Original Thuringian Rostbratwurst” is not the only product that is sold under the PGI seal in Thuringia. Other delicacies such as the Thuringian liver sausage and the Thuringian red sausage are also included. These protected products contribute to the region's culinary identity and offer consumers a taste experience characterized by tradition and quality. According to Agrar Marketing Thüringen, around 1,000 products are protected across Europe, with Germany having 91 registered products.

Finally, it should be noted that the Thuringian Rostbratwurst is much more than just a piece of sausage. It stands for tradition and regional craftsmanship, even if this is often questioned on social media. Ultimately, it is up to consumers what they consider “original” and which products they like.