Stone halls covered in tapestries and riddled with fireplaces, and wooden tables filled to the brim with meats, once roasted on a spit over a merrily crackling fire, and breads, a golden-brown, crunchy crust and soft cream interior, with men and women alike bustling about, tossing back a few tankards of malty beer, as though they are the Vikings of old consuming a victory feast—this scene might feature heavily when one speaks of German food. Oktoberfest, with its lederhosen, juicy bratwurst, savory sauerkraut and all-around good cheer, might also be spoken of fondly. Even Fasching, colorful, varied costumes, wandering people, and one-last-toast-before-Lent, may make their appearance.
German food, however, is more than bratwurst, sauerkraut, potatoes and beer. As a historically agricultural country, German cuisine is highlighted by the fresh foods found in its farmers’ markets. Certainly potatoes are a staple, but Germans are equally fond of spargel, a white asparagus that is popular throughout the spring and into the early part of summer, and while bratwurst is hardly a rare commodity, it is not the only sausage in German cuisine. Cheddarwurst, currywurst, weisswurst, liverwurst, knackwurst, bockwurst…the list goes on and on. And sausages are only one version of meat that Germans enjoy; wild game, such as rabbit, is just as common as chicken or fish.
The German palate also enjoys fresh fruits and vegetables. Germany rarely sees the canned and frozen foods so typical of American markets. And while many may claim that German food is bland, little could be farther from the truth. Robust flavors such as mustard and garlic mingle with lighter tones of fresh parsely, sharp caraway seeds, and a hint of spicy black pepper. Sweeter dishes claim sultry cinnamon and minty cardamom, with nutmeg playing the culinary field, being in meat dishes, dessert dishes, and even drinks.
German cuisine, however, is most characterized by gemütlichkeit, a sense of community, hearty and filling foods shared with loving friends and family in a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. So, in that respect, an image of a Viking feast might not be far off.
