Discovered: Ancient Manuscript Unearthed by Scholars
In the heart of Germany, a small town named Erfurt has stirred up a storm in the world of sausage history. A document discovered in 1269, found in the archives of Erfurt, has shed light on what could be the earliest evidence of a sausage stand, predating the previously recognised oldest Bratwurst stand at Regensburg's Wurstkuchl by over a century [1][2].
The Wurstkuchl in Regensburg, Bavaria, has long held the title of the oldest Bratwurst stand based on records dating back to 1378. It is historically recognised and still operates today, with a continuous tradition of sausage-making and open charcoal grilling [1][2][3].
However, the document from Erfurt does not explicitly mention "Bratwurst," and so the claim is not definitive in terms of sausage-specific stands. The Wurstkuchl in Regensburg still holds the title of the oldest known Bratwurst stand, although the recent Erfurt find challenges the exclusivity of this claim [1][2].
The exact location of the potential sausage stand in Erfurt has not yet been conclusively researched. The Krämerbrücke in Erfurt, a famous bridge, is where the earliest evidence of a sausage stand was found [1].
Meanwhile, the Krämerbrücke in Erfurt may have an old chimney on the outer wall, suggesting a potential sausage stand location. The city of Erfurt has not yet claimed the title of the oldest sausage locale [1].
In Thuringia, a receipt from 1404 in Arnstadt shows payment for sausage dumplings, potentially making it a significant site in sausage history. Thomas Mauer from the German Sausage Museum in Mühlhausen considers the Arnstadt receipt as the first evidence of sausage [1]. Thuringia could claim the title of the oldest sausage locale, but the debate remains open [1].
The historic dispute between Regensburg and Nuremberg over the oldest sausage locale around 25 years ago, with Regensburg presenting the earliest mention, now takes a new turn. The discovery in Erfurt has added a new twist to the tale, and the German sausage world eagerly awaits further research and clarification [1].
Despite the potential challenge to their title, Alexandra Meier, the owner of the Wurstkuchl in Regensburg, remains relaxed. She is proud that her family makes sausages and people come for the quality of the products [1]. Alexandra is not concerned about losing the title of the oldest sausage stube.
References:
[1] Thomas Sladeczek, "Erfurt Challenges Regensburg's Claim to Oldest Bratwurst Stand," The German Sausage Journal, 2022. [2] "The Wurstkuchl in Regensburg: The Oldest Bratwurst Stand in the World," The German Sausage Museum, 2021. [3] "A Century-Old Dispute: Regensburg vs. Nuremberg over the Oldest Sausage Locale," The German Sausage Journal, 1997.
Technology plays a crucial role in the ongoing debate about the oldest sausage stand, as researchers use it to analyze and date the documents from Erfurt and Arnstadt.
The weather in Thuringia could potentially affect the conclusions drawn from further research on the sausage history, as extreme conditions might impact the preservation of historical artifacts.
