Whilst the mercury stays steadfastly in the thirties (centigrade) and the German summer is bursting with events like Breminale, weinwanderungen (wine walks) and freiluftkino (open air cinemas) it is easy to find the heat somewhat oppressive when you’re crushed between a few hundred other people. Since I don’t think Germany is coming around to the wonderful world of air conditioning any time soon I do what I can to stay as cool as possible in the summer months.

Turning my house into a cave during the day and throwing the windows open only to let in a cooler nighttime breeze, walking in the shade and wearing natural fibres are some of my (minimise the sweatiness) survival steps. I’ve previously written about the wonderful Freibad, the place to go if you want to cool down from the outside in. Now I’m talking about staying cool from the inside out and the foods that will get you through a long hot summer.

All the seasonal fruit – Preferably straight from the fridge. Just starting with the berries; you’ll find juicy Erdbeeren (strawberries), rotund Blaubeeren (blueberries) and glamorous shiny Kirschen (cherries) proudly displayed at every wochenmarkt (weekly market). In the suburbs and beyond, little booths spring up at the side of roads selling locally produced seasonal fruit and vegetables (and the prices are very good). When the strawberries become less abundant you can almost hear Germany holding its breath for the start of Spargel (asparagus) season and then you know that summer is most definitely over.

A less common and much maligned sour berry will also be present, Stachelbeeren (gooseberries) are one of my favourites that make wonderful jam (and flavoured gin) so you can enjoy their fleeting summer appearance all year round. The same for the small jewelled Rote Johannisbeere (redcurrant) and its pretty and almost translucent partner weiße Johannisbeere (whitecurrant) which both make a beautifully sour addition to a sweet almond cake. Pfirsiche (Peaches) and my particular favourites Weinbergpfirsiche (flat peaches/doughnut peaches) are my summer food of dreams and I find, more portable than their rounder friends.

Eis, eis, eis (Ice cream, ice cream, ice cream) – There is no getting away from this staple of the German summer. Gelato style is favoured over all other types and when it comes to sundaes the bigger the better seems to be the overriding rule. Spaghettieis (ice cream sundae which looks like spaghetti) is a traditional favourite but when faced with a choice between that and a lasagneeis (ice cream sundae that looks like lasagne) which would you choose? A good Eis Café will have a queue outside at most times of day and those patrons will be of all ages and genders. Ice cream in Germany is not just for kids.

Grüne Soße (Green sauce) – Most commonly found in Frankfurt and the state of Hesse this herb rich dipping sauce, served cold, is a great accompaniment to hot foods. Traditionally eaten with boiled potatoes and hard boiled eggs it is just as versatile as a BBQ condiment with sausages, steaks or veggie skewers. A German tzatziki, if you will. A glass of Apfelwein (German cider) too cuts through the creaminess of the sauce perfectly, always serve chilled.

The very Wurstsalat that made me a believer! Photo -Alie C

Salat (Salad) – Germany is not famous for it’s love of salad. Sausage? Yes! Salad? No. The unsurprising outcome of this is the wonderful Wurstsalat (sausage salad). I used to be a non believer when it came to Wurstsalat, just like Erin, what could be worse? Then I found myself hungry, in a German restaurant, in August, where the outside temperature was nearing 40degrees and hot food sounded anything but appetising. I even joked ‘how bad can it be? At least it’ll be cold!’ in the face of my husband who was clearly worried that I’d hate it and he’d end up eating it.

I actually ordered the restaurants own ‘special’ Wurstsalat and I was not disappointed! Not all Wurstsalat are created equal though, if you want to create one at home I’d recommend buying the meat (or the salad ready made) direct from a butcher and adding your own extras. Adding cheese transforms your salad into a Schweizer Wurstsalat (Swiss sausage salad) and pretty much any other salad veg can be added, peppers give a crunch that is otherwise missing and tomatoes a lovely sweetness to counter any acidity. What can I say? I’m a convert.

Brotzeit/Vesper (Bread time, most common in Bavaria/Snack) – Generally I’m not on board with the German Abendbrot, I like my evening meal to be more substantial than bread and cheese, but during the summer I’m very happy to jump aboard. If you happen to be hitting a biergarten look out for the Brotzeit or Vesper section, the coldest food is generally found here. A Vesperteller (snack plate) can contain various cold meats, cheeses, pickles, radishes etc and will always be accompanied by bread. Whilst Brotzeit and Vesper meals are marketed as the ‘lighter options’ they are generally still very filling.

Vesperteller at a local café Photo – Alie C

Obatzda is a Biergarten Brotzeit classic of mixed soft cheeses (like Camembert), butter, paprika and other seasonings, served with a flourish of salad, a heap of raw onion, bread and possibly a pretzel. You might also find some salads make this part of the menu too, the Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli) salad seems to be becoming more and more popular around here, though I have yet to try one.

Fischbrötchen (Fish roll/fish sandwich) – Very popular in coastal areas, unsurprisingly, I practically lived on these when I was on holiday at the Ostsee (Baltic Sea). The most common or the classic fischbrötchen is made with herring and accompanied by sliced raw onions, sometimes pickles and Remoulade (kind of a sweeter version of tartar sauce) too. Other fischbrötchen fillings include rollmops, salmon, smoked and breaded fish. Brits, If you enjoy a good fish finger sandwich then this could be right up your street but  asking for tomato ketchup on your roll is likely to get you some strange looks.

If there’s something I’ve missed that I really must try, please let me know! I’m always looking for ways to cool down in the heat.

– Alie