Bircher Muesli

This well-known European breakfast dish called Bircher Muesli contains oats, yogurt, apples, and hazelnuts. It is a great example of a food that came about well before modern science could prove its health benefits, but it was right on the mark all along.

My Introduction to Bircher Muesli

I was first introduced to it when our family was stationed in Germany with the USAF. Our wonderful neighbor shared a dish of the Muesli that she had made.

At first, I was perplexed by it. I was used to the American parfait with layered granola, yogurt, and fruit. The Muesli that our neighbor shared with us contained those familiar ingredients, but it was all mixed together and it was more wet than I was used to.

Still, I was intrigued! Over the following years I explored the origins and history of Bircher Muesli and came to love it!

History

Bircher Muesli has a unique and interesting history, developed around 1900 by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner and was served as an easily digestible dinner in his ‘Lebendige Kraft’ (‘living strength’) sanatorium in the hills above Lake Zurich. Muesli was originally known as the health-giving ‘Apfeldiätspeise’ (German for ‘apple diet meal’). See House of Switzerland for great info. Diets rich in fresh fruit and vegetables were an essential part of therapy. See Wikipedia for more info.

Nutrition

According to eatGUUD, “Dr. Bircher-Benner determined that much of the sickness experienced by his patients could be alleviated with increased exercise and a more nutritious diet. This makes his approach similar to those of many “functional doctors” who practice holistic medicine today.

“As one of the very first physicians to advocate for whole-food nutrition, Dr. Bircher-Benner believed that eating a nutrient-rich diet could naturally help people to heal and prevent them from becoming sicker. That’s because muesli is chock full of essential nutrients for gut health, immune and cardiovascular functions, and more, including fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

“Dr. Bircher-Benner was able to treat and prevent disease at his clinic through a diet rich in raw grains, fruits, and vegetables, and with moderate exercise including walking and gardening daily.”

Try it!

One of the great things about this dish is that most of the ingredients can be swapped out for ingredients that fit your personal tastes. But don’t replace the oats and apples! They are a main component! With all the great history, nutrition, and versatility of this dish, give it a try! And if any aspect of it doesn’t suit your household’s tastes, then switch it up next time!