Results: The Pretzel Belt (Part 1 of 2)
The word pretzel comes from the Italian word "Pretiola", meaning "little rewards". First created in 610 AD by an Italian monk who was trying to motivate his students, the baked treats were made from strips of dough shaped to resemble arms folded in prayer, and offered as rewards to children for learning their prayers.
1.
1.
The oldest commercial pretzel bakery in the United States was founded in 1861 by Julius Sturgis in Lititz, PA. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery is still a working enterprise, and a historic tourist attraction where visitors can learn how to twist their own pretzels. Pennsylvania is home to about 45 pretzel companies, and the state produces about 80% of America's pretzels. Philadelphians eat roughly 12 pounds of them each year—six times the national average. Are pretzels popular where you live? (If unsure, consider how many brands and varieties of pretzels you see on market shelves.)
Yes
20%
•
200 votes
Somewhat
32%
•
312 votes
Not very
19%
•
183 votes
No
8%
•
76 votes
N/A
22%
•
217 votes
2.
2.
The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery is credited with accidentally creating the first hard pretzel when a batch was left in the oven too long and double-baked. The photo shows the Sturgis family in the Twisting Room in 1915. Do you enjoy the flavor of pretzels? (Please choose all options that apply.)
Yes, all kinds
28%
•
280 votes
Yes, but I prefer hard pretzels
9%
•
93 votes
Yes, but mostly thin pretzels
11%
•
105 votes
Yes, but mostly pretzels stuffed with peanut butter or cheese
5%
•
48 votes
No, not much
11%
•
105 votes
No, I dislike the flavor of pretzels.
6%
•
56 votes
N/A
18%
•
177 votes
Yes, but I prefer soft pretzels.
21%
•
208 votes
Yes, but mostly chocolate-covered pretzels.
5%
•
48 votes
Yes, but mostly seasoned pretzels.
5%
•
50 votes
Yes, but mostly with mustard or dip.
4%
•
38 votes
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