Football Food
As a summer of sport commences, we are celebrating the snacks and meals that the many teams might consume while battling for Europe’s highest footballing honour.
Gareth Southgate has picked the 26-man squad for the European Championships and as Jack Grealish departs St George’s Park, Alice band in hand and the rest of the England Men’s International football team arrive in Germany for the 2024 European Championships, let’s have a look at the food of champions.
German cuisine is known for its sausage, of which there are 1,500 different varieties. The Bratwurst is Germany’s sausage king. Usually made from pork it is occasionally made from beef or even veal. From the plump and juicy Nürnberger Rostbratwurst to the smoky and spicy Thüringer Rostbratwurst, the variations of bratwurst are as varied as the landscapes of Germany. But whatever your Bratwurst favourite, make sure it’s served with sauerkraut, a bread roll and as good glass of German beer.
Black Forest ham is another renowned German meat, which gets its name, unsurprisingly, from the Black Forest, a region known for its deeply carved valleys, thick woodlands, luscious meadows, stout timber farmhouses and wispy waterfalls and looks like it has leapt from the pages a child’s bedtime story. This dry-cured smoked ham has a rich history having been originally manufactured and sent to customers through post by a man called Hans Adler. Served at room temperature, this ham is often accompanied by a slice of rye bread with fresh fruit on the side.
To accompany the ultimate German football cuisine collection, at Lidgate’s, we have a wonderful German full fat cheese: the Montagnolo Affine. It won the Supreme Champion award at the 2013 International Cheese Awards. It's a highly recommended soft mould-ripened, blue vein cheese from Germany made with pasteurised cow's milk.
Of course, an ice-cold beer would wonderfully accompany the collection of meats and cheese. Pilsner being the most popular beer in Germany, a Premium Warsteiner seems like a perfect choice with its hint of barley malt and mild hoppy bitterness.