The Legendary Volkswagen Currywurst: Why This Iconic German Sausage Isn’t Sold in Canada

The Volkswagen currywurst is a brand of sausage that has achieved cult status among foodies and car enthusiasts alike. Produced by German automaker Volkswagen since 1973, this curry-seasoned pork sausage has built up legendary fame both for its taste and its quirky background story.

But those hoping to sample this iconic sausage on this side of the Atlantic will be sorely disappointed – the Volkswagen currywurst is not available for purchase anywhere in Canada.

In this article, we’ll explore the history and myths surrounding this famous sausage explain why it can’t be exported overseas and provide tips for the most determined currywurst fans to track it down.

The Origins and Lore of the Volkswagen Currywurst

The Volkswagen currywurst holds a unique place in German culture But how did an automobile manufacturer end up producing its own branded sausage?

As the story goes, in 1973 Volkswagen wanted to provide its factory employees with an easy, convenient meal they could enjoy during their lunch break A new cafeteria currywurst stand was opened, serving a quick sausage topped with ketchup and sprinkled with curry powder

The sausage was a smash hit, gaining fame throughout the factory. Volkswagen soon began producing its own proprietary spice blend and custom sausage to meet employee demand.

The currywurst was such a success that Volkswagen began branding it as the “Volkswagen Originalteil” (Original Part) and giving it its own Volkswagen part number (199 398 500 A). It even outsold some of VW’s car models, with over 7 million sausages produced in 2017.

Why Volkswagen Currywurst Can’t Be Shipped to Canada

The currywurst sausages are still made fresh daily at Volkswagen’s German production facilities in Wolfsburg. Unfortunately, the logistics of transporting fresh sausages overseas makes it impossible to export the product outside of Europe.

The high standards Volkswagen holds their currywurst to prohibits them from compromising on freshness. The sausages must be consumed within a short window after production to maintain peak flavor, texture, and overall quality.

Shipping overseas would require preservatives and processing that Volkswagen views as diminishing their product. So Canadians hoping for a taste of currywurst must look to other options.

Closest Alternatives for Finding Currywurst in Canada

While Canadians can’t get the exact Volkswagen currywurst experience, there are some alternatives for getting your currywurst fix:

• Visit Germany – If you find yourself traveling to Germany, try picking up currywurst at grocery stores, football stadiums, or Volkswagen factory locations.

• German delis – Specialty German delis and butcher shops may offer housemade currywursts using similar traditional spices and recipes.

• Online German food retailers – Some online stores ship German sausages to Canada, though freshness may be questionable.

• Make your own – Mix up a batch of homemade currywurst using recipes that mimic the Volkswagen version.

While not exactly the same, these options can satisfy your craving for the uniquely German flavors of currywurst. Just don’t expect to find the iconic Volkswagen branding anywhere but Germany.

The Special Volkswagen Currywurst Recipe and Production Process

So what goes into making Volkswagen’s famous sausage? The exact recipe and process remains a closely guarded company secret. But some key facts are known that give insight into what makes their currywurst so special:

• Locally sourced pork – Volkswagen uses high-quality pork from producers near their Wolfsburg factory. The freshness and minimal processing produces superior flavor.

• Proprietary spice blend – A special mix of spices and seasonings is added during production to give Volkswagen currywurst its signature taste. The blend contains curry powder, ginger, pepper and other ingredients.

• Beechwood smoking – After being seasoned, the sausages are smoked over smooth beechwood, which imparts a subtle smoky essence.

• Steamed to perfection – Volkswagen currywursts are gently steamed at low heat for an extended period, ensuring succulent and juicy results.

• Made by trained butchers – Skilled butchers oversee currywurst production from start to finish, applying generations of sausage-making expertise.

• 0 preservatives – In keeping with their commitment to freshness, Volkswagen’s currywurst contains no artificial preservatives or stabilizers.

This meticulous process allows Volkswagen to produce up to 18,000 sausages daily while maintaining absolute consistency and quality control. It’s what gives their currywurst such renown among sausage aficionados.

Tips for Cooking and Serving Volkswagen Currywurst

Hopeful currywurst seekers should follow these tips for cooking and serving this German delicacy:

• Grill or pan fry over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.

• Boiling in beer or water for 10 minutes also produces excellent results.

• Slice the sausage into bite-sized diagonals and serve atop hot fries or potato salad.

• The traditional condiment is ketchup blended with curry powder. Also try mustard, mayo or hot sauce.

• Pair with a cold German beer or pilsner for the complete currywurst experience.

• Savor each bite slowly to appreciate the expert blend of flavors in this unique sausage.

Even if getting authentic Volkswagen currywurst proves impossible, experimenting with homemade recipes lets you appreciate this icon of German cuisine. Just be sure to cook it low and slow – these sausages are meant to be savored!

The Lasting Popularity and Lore of Volkswagen Currywurst

In the end, Canadians are left out of enjoying genuine Volkswagen currywurst fresh from the source. But hopefully this peek into the legend behind this quirky sausage provides motivation to someday pay a visit to Germany to experience currywurst done right.

The Volkswagen Originalteil has earned its place in German folklore, outliving even the iconic VW Beetle and cementing its status as a national icon. It just goes to show how an unexpected staple item created for factory employees ended up taking on a cultural legacy of its own.

So while Canadians can’t get Volkswagen currywurst locally, the lure and intrigue of this famous sausage will live on for discerning foodies and German culture aficionados alike!