| Lebkuchen, also called Pfefferkuchen, is German gingerbread. These cookies are either rectangular or round, they have a sweet, lightly nutty taste, and their aroma is spicy, a bit like nutmeg and allspice. They are usually soft with a slight crunch from chopped nuts. The Lebkuchen is a traditional Christmas cookie, which is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. There are many regional variations to the Lebkuchen, but the most well-known is the Nürnberger Lebkuchen from the city of Nürnberg. Ingredients Each region has its own receipe for its Lebkuchen, but the most common ingredients include: | • | Honey, flour, sugar, and eggs | | • | Cinnamon, cloves, anise, cardamom, coriander, ginger, nutmeg, allspice | | • | Almonds, hazelnuts, and/or walnuts | | • | Candied lemon and orange peels | Storage & Quality 
Photo: © Ideenkoch - Fotolia.com | | Unlike the Brown Lebkuchen variety, the Oblaten Lebkuchen have a relatively short shelf life. They will hold their aroma and softness for about 6 to 8 weeks. It is best to keep them wrapped in the original packaging or in a plastic container and to store them in a cool, dark place. But, the fresher they are eaten, the better they taste.If the Oblaten Lebkuchen have become dry, place them in a plastic or glass container and add a freshly sliced piece of apple. Seal the container with aluminum foil and a rubber band. Let it stand for a day but not longer than a day so no mold forms. The Lebkuchen will absorb the moisture from the apple making it soft again. If your chocolate Lebkuchen look like the chocolate glaze has melted, this won't hurt the quality or taste of the cookies. This can happen from being shipped or transported in warm temperatures. History The name "Lebkuchen" comes either from the old German word "lebbe" (very sweet) or from the Latin word "libum" (cakes). The history of the Lebkuchen begins with the Honigkuchen (Honey Cake). The Egyptians, around the year 1500 BC, baked these cakes to be placed in the graves of kings. The Egyptians believed that honey was a gift for the gods. The Romans called their honey cakes "panus mellitus" (sweet bread). They not only used honey as a sweetener in the dough, but they also glazed the cakes with honey. The Lebkuchen that we know today was originally founded in Belgium. It was introduced into Germany through the city of Aachen, where it was then taken over by the Franconian (fränkishe) monastaries. It was the nuns that created the Lebkuchen shapes that are used today. As "Pfefferkuchen," the cookies were introduced to the city of Ulm in 1296. Later in 1395 they were discovered in the city of Nürnberg, where they were baked by the local monks. The cookies were first called "Lebkuchen" in 1409. The seasonings needed for the Lebkuchen were not available locally and had to imported from distance lands. Because of this, the Lebkuchen grew in popularity mainly in those larger cities that had significant trade partners. This included the cities of Nürnberg, Ulm, Cologne (Köln), and Munich (München). The reputation of Nürnberg as the Lebkuchen-Bakers grew quickly. The city had an advantage: the local Lorenzer Forest. This was a colorful, foresty countryside filled with many different kinds of flowers and blooms - the perfect environment for bees and honey production. Likewise, the city imported the required seasonings from Venice and the Orient, giving bakers easy access to all the necessary ingredients. Commerical production of the Lebkuchen in Nürnberg began in the 14th century. In 1643 the city officially recognized the Lebkuchen-Baker profession by creating the "League of Lebkuchen-Bakers." In 1645, the league created strict guidelines that commerical bakers had to follow in order to sell their lebkuchen. Industrial production (by machine) of the Lebkuchen began in 1867. |
Photo: © Gloria Meyerle - BigstockPhoto.com
Oblaten Lebkuchen "Oblaten" are thin wafers. Oblaten Lebkuchen are cookies in which the dough is baked on a thin wafer. Historically, this was done to prevent the cookie from sticking to the cookie sheet. Elisen Lebkuchen
These are the highest quality Oblaten Lebkuchen available. They must have at least 25% almonds, hazelnuts, and/or walnuts (no other kinds of nuts are allowed). Likewise, they must contain no more than 10% flour. Nürnberger Lebkuchen
These are Lebkuchen that are baked in the city of Nürnberg, and are worldwide the most well known. They are often baked on Oblaten (thin wafers), and they are known for their light, soft texture. Marzipan is often an ingredient of these cookies. Kaiserlein
These are Lebkuchen onto which a picture is drawn or imprinted. Brown (Braune) Lebkuchen
These cookies are made from a honey or syrup dough. The dough is either molded, cut, or formed and it is baked without Oblaten (thin wafers - see "Oblaten Lebkuchen" above). The baked cookies are often covered with a sugar glaze or chocolate. White (Weisse) Lebkuchen
These cookies get their name from their very light color. It gets this color from a high amoung of whole eggs and/or egg whites in the dough. They are usually decorated with almonds and/or candied lemon and orange peels.
Photo: © matka_Wariatka - BigStockPhoto.com
| Klassische Lebkuchen (Classic German Gingerbread) | | | Honiglebkuchen (Honey Gingerbread) | | | Bratapfel mit Lebkuchen überbacken (Apples Baked with Lebkuchen) | | | Lebkuchengewürz (Gingerbread Seasoning) | |
FAQs
Germany uses the nutrition circle as its food guide. The nutrition circle is divided into six food groups: cereals and potatoes; vegetables; fruits; milk and dairy products; meat, sausages, fish and eggs; and fats and oils.
What is the number 1 food in Germany? ›
Of all these regional and national dishes, Germany is most famous for Currywurst, sausages, pretzels and Black Forest Gateau, but as you can see, there is plenty more to German cuisine than just these.
What are the German food guidelines for 2024? ›
According to the new 2024 guidelines, mixed dieters should only consume 25 per cent animal products and mostly plant-based foods. The recommended amount of meat and sausage has been reduced from 300 to 600 grams per week to 300 grams.
What are 3 popular foods in Germany? ›
What are the most popular German foods?
- Bratwurst. Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. ...
- Döner Kebab. ...
- Döner Kebab. ...
- Sauerbraten. ...
- Pretzels. ...
- Sauerkraut. ...
- Wiener Schnitzel. ...
- Rouladen.
The main meal of the day is das Mittagessen, or lunch. The tradition is to have a hot meal during lunch. Sauerbraten, snitzels, Frikadellen (German meatballs), potatoes (such as Kartoffelsalat), green beans, soups, and stews are frequently served for lunch.
What is a typical German breakfast? ›
But the Germans like to pull out the stops at breakfast (especially weekend breakfasts). Lots of different cheeses, meats, multiple jams and honey, boiled eggs, fruit and vegetables, smoked fish and of course, every kind of roll or hearty, seeded bread your heart could desire.
Do people wear jeans in Germany? ›
A dark pair of slim or skinny jeans, a nice top and a cardigan, with a scarf thrown over the top, will do well in any German city.
What is Germany's national dish? ›
Sauerbraten (pronounced [ˈzaʊ̯ɐˌbʁaːtn̩]) is a traditional German roast of heavily marinated meat. It is regarded as a national dish of Germany, and is frequently served in German-style restaurants internationally.
What time do Germans eat dinner? ›
But in Germany, the traditional dinner time is much earlier: you'll find many German households having their evening meal between 5 and 7 pm.
What is the most popular meat in Germany? ›
In Germany, the most consumed meat is pork. Germans are known for their love of pork, and it is a staple in many traditional dishes. Some popular examples of pork dishes in Germany include schnitzel, which is a breaded and fried pork cutlet, and bratwurst, a type of sausage made from pork, veal, or beef.
Bratwurst (German: [ˈbʁaːtvʊʁst]) is a type of German sausage made from pork or, less commonly, beef or veal.
Is it rude to not finish food in Germany? ›
However, you must remember that Germans rest only their hands and not their elbows on the table as it is considered quite an inappropriate gesture. It is considered rude to leave food on the plate; not just the Germans, but people from many countries do not like anyone leaving food on their plate.
What are the manners of German eating? ›
When dining with Germans, be especially mindful of proper manners. They eat continentally—with the fork in the left hand (tines down) and knife in the right hand throughout. Do not pass the fork back and forth between hands. Don't set down your knife to use the fork alone.
How many meals do Germans eat a day? ›
Germans tend to eat three meals a day but sometimes, they make an exception for Kaffeezeit, which literally means 'coffee time'. Also referred to as Kaffee und Kuchen, (coffee and cake), this is when – as the name suggests – people enjoy a coffee with a slice of cake.
How do you ask for food in Germany? ›
Phrases to order
While the person in the restaurant, bakery or bar will most likely ask “Was darf es sein?”, “Was möchten Sie?” (What would you like?) or just a simple “Bitte?” (Please?), you can use one of these phrases: Ich hätte gern ein (neutral) / eine (female) / einen (male) …
Is it rude to not eat all your food in Germany? ›
If you can't eat something for health reasons, politely explain to your hosts why. Don't take more than you can eat. It's considered impolite to leave food on your plate.
What is the food code in Germany? ›
Food and Feed Code (LFGB): The LFGB provides the basis for the regulation of foodstuffs, including bulk goods, in Germany. It lays down general requirements for the safety and quality of food, and also regulates sampling. Regulation (EC) No 882/2004: This EU regulation regulates the official control of food and feed.
Who regulates food in Germany? ›
The German federal states
Official control covers all levels of food production: producer and processing establishments as well as storage, transport and sale of food products as well as the food service sector.
