Lower Saxony ~ Regional Food

by: Gerhild Fulson  /  Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!

Pied Piper, Rat Tails, and Apples

Lower Saxony, also known as Niedersachsen, is the second largest state in Germany. Bordering eight German states, the North Sea, and the Netherlands, this state also includes the seven East Frisian Islands.

Geographically, this state has it all: mountains with dark forests (Harz), wetlands (Wattenmeer), the Lüneburg Heath (Lüneburger Heide), and Germany's largest orchard. Colonized by settlers from Holland and Saxony, this area has been producing fruit since the 14th century. Apples account for the largest crop. Cherries, pears, and plums are also grown. These fruits are widely used in local specialties, such as apple streusel cake, deep-fried plum strudels, and cherry pancakes.

Agriculture and farming are an important part of the economy for Lower Saxony. Wheat, buckwheat, kale, white asparagus, carrots, berries, beef, pork, sheep raised on the Heath (Heidschnucke), Harzer cheese, and honey also from the Heath are some of its products. From the North Sea and rivers come trout, crab, mussels, and eel.

Southwest of Hanover, the capital, is Hamelin (Hameln), the home of the Pied Piper. His tale of removing the rats from the town and then its children takes place in 1284. Whether he was fact or fiction and neither has yet been proven he has become a local magnet for tourists. His addition to the culinary treats of this area? Rat tails!

Lower Saxony's Favorite Foods

• Apples, especially varieties such as Estar, Boskoop, and Jonagold
• Recipes using fruit, such as Rote Grütze, and Apfelkuchen
• Sausages such as Pinkel (Lower Saxony's national sausage), Bregenwurst, Hannoversche Fleischwurst, Braunschweiger Mettwurst, Bierwurst, Weisswurst and Knappwurst
• Sour milk cheeses such as Harzer, Gelbkäse and Bauernhandkäse
• Heidschnuckbraten (roasted lamb) and Ente (duck)

My Favorite Recipe from Lower Saxony

Spargelsalat (Asparagus Salad)

Spring brings an abundance of white asparagus to the market. Usually eaten with a Hollandaise sauce, boiled potatoes, and sliced ham, this salad is a great alternative way to enjoy this treat. You'll find the recipe posted as Asparagus Salad.

More Recipes from Lower Saxony ...

German Apple Cake

Roast Duck

Bratwurst ~ Sausage

Rote Grütze

Want to know which recipes are Oma's favorites? Grab your copy of her very favorite recipes in Favorite German Recipes eCookbook.

Take a peek at all Oma's eCookbooks. They make sharing your German heritage a delicious adventure!

Newest Recipes

• 
• 
• 

1. Oma’s Favorite Finds: German-inspired items for cooking & entertaining

   
   Oma's Favorite Finds offer a range of Oma’s favorite German-inspired must-have items that make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable, yummy, and efficient.

   Go to the Recipe

2. Dowan Porcelain Dessert Bowls

   
   Indulge in Elegance: Small porcelain dessert bowls by Dowan for a pop of colour on your table and perfect for little desserts.

   Go to the Recipe

3. Celebrating Easter Traditions in Germany: Customs & Food

   
   Discover the Easter traditions in Germany that will engage your senses and uplift your spirit. Ostern is a cultural celebration filled with delight, wonder, and yummy food.

   Go to the Recipe

*  *  *  *  *

Let's connect...

Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.