The Origins of the Bratwurst: What to Know About this Classic Grill Favorite

When summertime is in full swing, there are very few items that are as popular for the grill as the bratwurst. For decades, bratwurst, or brats have been one of the most popular and most flavorful summer meats for the grill. However, while many associate brats as being an American tradition, often reminiscent of back yard barbecues and Fourth of July celebrations, this meat actually isn’t American at all. In celebration of grilling season, here is a look at the bratwurst and a background on this famous meat, where it comes from and the history of bratwursts including what makes them so popular in America and in other countries across the globe.

Serving Bratwursts

Even though many associate bratwursts with hot dogs in America, because of the way most Americans serve them, typically brats are not served on a bun with condiments like ketchup and mustard. Bratwursts are technically a sausage and depending on the type of bratwurst that you are enjoying they can be made of either veal, pork or beef. The first thing to know about bratwursts is that these meats come from Germany and they are actually a very important and very common German food. There is evidence dating back to the 1300s in Germany of the existence of bratwursts, and while the German bratwurst is undoubtedly the first and most popular style of bratwurst there are other types as well including the Franconian varieties of bratwursts. The name brat is actually derived from Old German language, brat means finely chopped meat and wurst means sausage. The word is also associated closely to the term ‘braten’ which actually means to roast or pan fry. Typically these sausages are grilled, pan friend or cooked in beer or both.

Popularity of Bratwursts

Even with its heavy German roots, this has not stopped numerous Americans from falling in love with bratwursts. In fact, there are many American festivals, traditions and more that have bratwursts as part of their celebrations. The town of Bucyrus, Ohio calls itself the “Bratwurst Capital of America” this city even holds its own three day bratwurst festival. The city of Madison, Wisconsin also holds its own festival and every Memorial Day they host the annual “Brat Fest” termed the world’s biggest brat festival. With traditions such as these in place, it is easy to see why so many forget that bratwursts are actually a German food, as these sausages have more than found their place in America today.