Bavarian pretzel protected in EU

BRUSSELS - A twisted piece of dough has been elevated to cultural-icon status by the European Union, which has added the Bavarian pretzel to its “protected origins” list.

That means only pretzels produced in the southern German state can be sold as “Bayerische Breze,” or “Bavarian pretzel.”

In a statement Friday, the 28-nation bloc’s executive commission said Bavarian pretzels are “characterized by a doughy taste, combined with a short, crisp crack and a soft, fluffy texture.”