Bratwurst dispute: Is the Wolf sausage really Thuringian tradition?

Bratwurst dispute: Is the Wolf sausage really Thuringian tradition?

Altenburger Land, Deutschland - In the social media, it is currently sizzling correctly: A Facebook post about the "Original Thuringian Rostbratwurst" of the Wolf butcher has caused excitement among the users. With over 1,200 comments and more than 2,000 reactions, the discussion has long since flared up. The occasion? A critical comment in which someone complains about how to call the product "original" when brewing. So a whole firework of opinions was sparked that both the critics and the defenders of the bratwurst called on the plan - and the opinions could not be more different.

The sausage is traditionally produced in Thuringia, a fact that is secured by the EU seal for protected geographical information (G.G.A.). This seal not only guarantees geographical origin, but also compliance with traditional manufacturing processes, which is important for many consumers. The exact requirements are clearly defined: The Thuringian rust bratwurst must be manufactured in Thuringia, from high -quality raw materials and spices and has certain requirements regarding length, weight and fat content.

The tradition of the Thuringian bratwurst

The Wolf butchery has a tradition of over a hundred years of tradition and sits in Schwandorf, Bavaria, while production takes place in Schmölln and Jena. The discussion about the bratwurst is all the more surprising. Critics from Thuringia themselves comment on social media: "Nobody would buy something like that in Thuringia," is reported. Such feedback makes the sausage defenders, emphasizing that it is a real Thuringian bratwurst that only has to be made for international shipping.

Uwe Keith, chairman of the "Friends of the Thuringian Bratwurst", also makes you take notice. According to him, only the ingredients are prescribed, and the preparation is left to the companies and consumers. "Taste is subjective," says Keith, noting that many people consider the fresh, unbrified sausage to be the true Thuringian rust bratwurst.

protection of protected products

But the topic goes beyond the Thuringian rust bratwurst. Around 1,000 products from 27 EU member states are currently protected by the EU, as Agricultural Marketing Thuringia explains. In Germany, 91 such products are registered, including the famous Thuringian liver sausage and the Eichsfeld Feldgieker. An EU system that has existed since 1992 ensures that traditional and regional foods are legally protected. It differentiates between protected origin designations (G.U.), protected geographical information (G.G.A.) and guaranteed traditional specialties (G.T.S.)

For consumers, this not only means that they can count on a constant taste experience, but also that they preserve the regional culinary traditions. This is particularly important in the age of convenience and finished products.

It remains to be seen how the heated discussion about the Thuringian Rostbratwurst is developing and whether the consumer will ultimately still appreciate his traditional sausage. The fact is: The Thuringian bratwurst remains a crucial piece of Thuringia's culinary identity and has a firm place on the table of many lovers of good German cuisine.

Further information on protected products and their importance can be found on the websites of Thuringia24 , Agrarmarketing Thuringia and bmel .