【Matsuko Reveals】Did You Know...? Baumkuchen and Baumkuchen Are Apparently Different!

2019.08.29 published

Baumkuchen and Bāmukūhen Are Apparently Different!

A staple of wedding favor sweets, Bāmukūhen＊

The appearance of Bāmukūhen, resembling the rings of a tree, carries the happy message of "carving the rings of a couple," making it a popular treat.

@nagisa_marry

Recently, I was surprised to learn something new about Bāmukūhen for the first time.

That is,

✓ Baumkuchen

✓ Bāmukūhen

are different things...!

The difference between the two was introduced in a segment on "Matsuko's Unknown World," and many people were surprised to learn about it, trending on Twitter.

twitter 埋め込みコンテンツ

twitter 埋め込みコンテンツ

Personally, I thought both "Baum" and "Bām" were the same, and I had never really thought about it as just a difference in notation,

so it was quite shocking!

Let me explain the difference between Baumkuchen and Bāmukūhen＊

① What is Baumkuchen?

First of all, Baumkuchen (Baumkuchen) is a baked confection that originated in Germany in 1807.

In Germany, there is an organization called the German National Confectionery Association, and only those that meet the criteria and definition of Baumkuchen recognized by this association are allowed to call themselves "Baumkuchen."

The conditions and definitions are as follows:

① Only butter is used as the fat

② No baking powder (raising agent) is used

③ The ratio of butter, flour, and sugar to eggs is 1:2

④ No additives are used

In Germany, if these four points are not adhered to, Baumkuchen cannot be sold. Therefore, it is not something that anyone can easily make and is positioned as a luxury confection.

A characteristic is that artisans handcraft each piece.

The established materials and production processes are strictly defined, meaning the rules are stricter than one might imagine; however, this preserves the traditional taste for future generations.

② What is Bāmukūhen?

On the other hand, Bāmukūhen refers to a type of confection that has no regulations regarding materials or methods of preparation.＊

Each shop or artisan has the freedom to create their own variations.

In Japan, a confectioner named Karl Ühaihm first brought a modified version that suited Japanese tastes in 1919, and from there, it expanded rapidly into Western confectionery shops.

Consequently, while authentic German Baumkuchen tends to have a heavy texture,

the Bāmukūhen sold in Japan is often light and fluffy, flavored, or moist, which is what most Japanese people envision!

Bāmukūhen showcases the individuality of each shop, resulting in a wide variety of options.＊

Feeling More Informed♩

In German terms, it's Baumkuchen.

In Japanese terms, it's Bāmukūhen.

Did you understand the differences...??

By the way, in Japan, famous places that produce Baumkuchen that meets the authentic regulations include "Yuhheim" and "BAUM u. BAUM."

Personally, I am recently intrigued by the popular "Toronama Baumkuchen" from "Sennen no Ki," which is said to resemble chocolate fondue♡

It has a rare two-layer structure inside.

➡ You can purchase it here＊

Since it is often received as a wedding favor or celebratory gift and various arrangements can be found in different shops, I want to enjoy both Baumkuchen and Bāmukūhen with a better understanding of their differences♩