Muesli

Muesli is a delicious and nutritious cold oatmeal dish composed of rolled oats, grains, nuts, seeds, and fruits, typically mixed with liquids like milk or yogurt. It was developed around 1900 by a Swiss physician named Maximilian Bircher-Benner for his hospital patients. Originally known as Birchermuesli, the name derives from the Alemannic word "Mues" meaning "mush" or "puree." Initially served as an appetizer, muesli rapidly gained popularity as a breakfast choice due to its health benefits.

The original Bircher-Benner recipe included apples, nuts, rolled oats, lemon juice, and either cream or condensed milk. Over time, people began experimenting with various ingredients, incorporating fresh or dried fruits, different types of nuts and seeds, as well as dairy or non-dairy milk substitutes. Today, packaged muesli typically features rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, and can be enjoyed with milk, yogurt, or fruit juice.

In English-speaking countries, cafes and restaurants often offer their own versions of muesli, frequently labeled as "bircher muesli." These adaptations might include diverse fruits, juices, and sweeteners. Muesli is commonly associated with health-conscious diets and natural lifestyles, giving rise to terms like the "muesli belt" and the "granola type" in these regions.