Loaves of true pumpernickel undergo a long, slow bake (up to 24 hours); the dark color comes from a browning reaction that takes place in the dough during that time. (Less-traditional pumpernickel bread relies on molasses for its color and flavor).

Does pumpernickel mean devil's fart?

Hence, pumpernickel means "farting devil" or "devil's fart", a definition accepted by the publisher Random House, and by some English language dictionaries, including the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The American Heritage Dictionary adds "so named from being hard to digest".

Why is pumpernickel bread good for you?

A major health benefit derived from consuming pumpernickel bread is that the starter's acidic acid and the soluble fibers of rye keep the bread's glycemic load quite low. Unlike bread made with wheat, when you eat pumpernickel bread, you consume much fewer carbohydrates.