Our Product

The difference between Schlacher & Söhne “Styrian pumpkin seed oil” and “Pumpkin seed oil”

 

We manufacture “100% Styrian pumpkin seed oil.” We also use high-quality, skinless pumpkin seeds of the Styrian oil squash type (cucurbita pepo l. var. styriaca) from long-term suppliers in select producing areas in Styria.


It must not be extracted from any other seeds than the “Styrian pumpkin seed” variety grown in precisely defined Austrian regions, and pressed by no other than those oil mills which are located in specific areas of the southern Styrian region.

It is not without good reason that our exquisite pumpkin seed oil, a pure natural product, is known as “the green gold of Styria”. It is 100% pure and entirely free from any auxiliary materials and additives. With its unique dark-green color, intensive flavor and inimitable nutty aroma, “Styrian pumpkin seed oil P.G.I.” has conquered international speciality cuisine over the last few years. Well-trained master pressers have applied their extensive experience to develop the optimal manufacturing process for preserving the beneficial ingredients in pumpkin seeds and meeting the very highest flavor standards.

Origins and brand protection
To protect our regional specialities from any unfair imitations, Styrian pumpkin seed oil has been awarded EU protection. Only seeds from the so-called Protected Geographical Indication (P.G.I.) area may be pressed to produce the original “Styrian pumpkin seed oil – P.G.I.”. Our premium Schlacher & Söhne Styrian pumpkin seed oil is protected by the European Union “Protected Geographical Indication” (P.G.I.) label.

Look out for the ‘protected geographical indication’ symbol and our own certification of quality and origin ‘Styrian pumpkin seed oil’.

From the seed to the oil
Only the very best quality pumpkin seeds are ground down and kneaded with water and salt under the supervision of our experienced master pressers. This roasted product is heated at approximately 135°C for ½ hour until the water evaporates. The roasted ground mixture is then added to a stamp press. The pure “original Styrian pumpkin seed oil” is then extracted at a temperature of 70°C and pressure of approx. 300 bar as part of the first pressing process. The maintenance of these careful processing conditions gives the pumpkin seed oil its typical velvety-green color, its unmistakeable aroma and its unique, nutty flavor. Approximately 2.5 kg of seeds are pressed to make one liter of genuine Styrian pumpkin seed oil.

Nutritional value
Styrian pumpkin seed oil is characterized by its easy digestibility thanks to the high level of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic acid. It is cholesterol-free, rich in vitamin E and offers protection from free radicals which develop in certain illnesses. It therefore has a preventative effect on heart and cardiovascular disease, tumors, aging processes (cell aging) and other aging-related illnesses. The health benefits of the oil, particularly on the bladder and prostate, have been proved in a number of studies.