Lebkuchen

Nürnberger Lebkuchen is a Protected Designation of Origin for gingerbread from Nuremberg, which is July 1, 1996 as a protected geographical indication ( PGI ) recognized under European law. Accordingly, may only be offered as a " Nürnberger Lebkuchen " gingerbread those that were made ​​in the area of Nuremberg. Additional requirements such as a restriction on special Gingerbread styles or any quality criteria are not associated with the concept.

According to various sources, there should have been a final protection for the designation since 1927. The legal nature of the property right and more precise criteria are unknown. Since 1978 there is also a non-binding registration as geographical origin guarantee signs (RAL -RG 0131) in the RAL Institute register.

History

The history of the Nuremberg gingerbread can be traced back to the late 15th century. Apparently, Emperor Frederick III. the town's children come into the moat in the Cross week in 1487 and distributed on the occasion of the Reichstag little gingerbread with his likeness. These were accepted with great enthusiasm. The oldest written Gingerbread recipe is from the 16th century and is preserved in the Germanic National Museum in Nuremberg.

In 1855, visited King Maximilian II and Queen Nuremberg. In her honor, the Lebküchner baked the couple a giant gingerbread with ornament " Salvation belongs to our King."

Description

Under Nürnberger Lebkuchen is meant typically large, usually round Oblatenlebkuchen with icing, chocolate-covered ( " schokoliert " ) or without coating ( "nature" ), along with the always square, also baked on wafers white gingerbread. Often these Oblatenlebkuchen also be decorated with almonds and candied lemon peel. As a special quality characteristic is a high proportion of almond and walnut kernels and a small addition of flour or even the total abandonment to it. Oblatenlebkuchen the highest quality according to the German Food Code hot " Elisenlebkuchen " and take a prominent place in the range of virtually all providers a Nuremberg; they must have a very high quality composition with at least 25 % almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts, no other oil seeds and a maximum of 10 % flour or 7.5 % starch may contain.

Apart from that, all other gingerbread species such as honey cake, gingerbread or dominoes are sold as Nürnberger Lebkuchen, if they only come from Nuremberg, as it is a pure origin. Also special quality standards are not involved. Therefore encountered with high quality Nürnberger Lebkuchen occasionally the corresponding protected labeling according to the German Food Code, together with the addition of " Nuremberg " at, or about fine Nuremberg Nuremberg gingerbread or Elisenlebkuchen.

Under the name "Gingerbread break" sell the manufacturer pieces that have fallen through the quality control of the establishments, for instance because they are actually broken or damaged, but often only because they, for example, have an uneven shape. In taste they usually are not within normal goods. Gingerbread fracture but is offered primarily at our stores in Nuremberg and other cities, some manufacturers also by mail order.

Manufacturer of Nürnberger Lebkuchen must produce within the city limits of Nuremberg. These are the Beispield the Lambertz Group (Trade Haeberlein Butcher, White, Wolff) and Lebkuchen-Schmidt ( Schmidt brands, Wicklein ). In addition, many manufacturers sell their products in their own stores in Nuremberg, and - through retailers and direct mail - worldwide. While most gingerbread specialties are viewed as Christmas goods and sold in supermarkets only a few months a year, you can purchase them at the Nuremberg stores and through mail order in any season. In addition to the large companies, there are numerous small craft.