Bread Rolls on a Sunday.
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Photo: aboutpixel |
It was a very close call; this article almost appeared in the do's and don'ts section in community and local. But coming from the UK, where most supermarkets bake their own bread and many doing it 24/7, I was so blown away when I discovered something new about living in Germany. So here it is.
After nearly thirty years here, a few days ago I obviously decided to do something I had never before attempted. We had guests staying and out I trotted with the dog to purchase some goodies at the baker I frequent. They have fairly friendly and certainly most helpful staff, who patiently answer anyone's quieries concerning ingredients, baking method, shelf life and so on.
My lady was speechless though. For the first time ever, I had asked for a bread loaf as well as the assorted rolls on this particular day. She kindly informed me that the bread was from Saturday and I dared to question why. She was blown away. It appears no-one had ever asked before. I turned to other customers in the store and interrogated further. Silence. And in the days following I pursued my mission. Friends, colleagues and clients were asked. Nothing. Bread is not sold on a Sunday. Period.
Back to the store. Finally, that fateful day, I recieved a half-hearted claim that nobody wants bread, so it would go stale and be thrown away. Okay. Now my question is, who started buying or baking the rolls? Was it people power and consumer demand? Or perfect commercial sense by a lonely baker in a village, who was fed up arising so early to later sadly dispose of his hard earned creations. And when did this fascinating tradition commence?
So, if you want bread before going to church or commencing your day another way, purchase the bake your own bread at the supermarket. On Saturday. Yes, that's another story.
