The history of pretzels?

Some historians have said that the pretzel is the oldest snack food developed. It is believed that the pretzel was first developed about 610 A.D. by a monk in southern France or northern Italy, by using dough left over from bread making. The pretzel shape, which was meant to look like a child's arms folded in prayer. He called the snacks pretiola, which means little reward in Latin. They eventually found their way into Germany and Austria where they became known as pretzels. They grew in popularity and are said to have been brought to America on the Mayflower in 1620. Early pretzels were the soft variety. It is believed that one night the baker who was baking a batch of pretzels fell asleep. When he woke up all the moisture was cooked out of them and the hard pretzel was born.

First answer by Gouch53. Last edit by Gouch53. Contributor trust: 660 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question]