Pumpkin Seed Oil - The Green Gold of Styria

The Styrian "Ölspur"

An important route of southern Styria, where oil mills, catering establishments and partners are lined up with a focus on Styrian pumpkin seed oil.

The loamy, sandy soils and the Pannonian climate of southern Styria offer the perfect conditions for growing pumpkins, from whose seeds Styrian pumpkin seed oil is extracted. A true delicacy that enchants nose and palate with irresistible nutty aromas.

At the end of the 19th century, the pumpkin made itself at home in Styria. From the seeds, which are cleaned and roasted, pumpkin seed oil is pressed adhering to traditional methods. 2.5 to 3 kilograms of dried and roasted seeds are needed for one liter of pumpkin seed oil. That's a total of 30 to 40 pumpkins which must be processed by machine, but sometimes by hand as well. Not surprisingly, people talk about it being the "green gold" of Styria.

The nutty, thick oil, which is unique in color and taste, also provides valuable ingredients. The oil offers up to 50% more unsaturated fatty acids than conventional oils, such as olive oil or sunflower oil.

The Styrian "Ölspur" (lit. "Oil trail") dedicates itself, along with the 15 "Ölspur" communities, 9 oil mills, 23 "Ölspur" restauranters and 25 "Ölspur" Farmers, to the pumpkin seed oil and its special characteristics.

Protected geographical indication

Styrian Pumpkinseed Oil

Since 1996, Styrian pumpkin seed oil has a protected origin of heritage. The geographical indication "Styrian pumpkin seed oil" is protected, expressed in the addition of PGI (protected geographical indication) to the name (German: g.g.A. - geschützte geografische Angabe).

This protection means that the name "Styrian pumpkin seed oil" may only be used if:

the pumpkin seeds used for pressing originate from the Styrian pumpkin and the pumpkins were grown and harvested in Styria or in a few other defined areas in Lower Austria and Burgenland,
the pressing follows traditional production methods, and the bottling takes place in an oil mill in Styrian or Burgenland
it comes from 100% pure pumpkin seed oil from the first press.

Once all these criteria have been fulfilled and the production has been confirmed by a certified testing laboratory, pumpkin seed oil may be called "Styrian" pumpkin seed oil. Not before. Then it can carry the stamp of the community.

Heart, humour and wit

The "Ölspur" Restauranters

Down-to-earth and innovative. The "Ölspur" restauranters are carefully selected restauranters who use pumpkin seed oil in their kitchens in a particularly skillfull way, bringing their guests closer to the special characteristics of the Styrian pumpkin seed oil, with a side dressing of cheer, humour and wit to match.

Meet the "Ölspur" Restauranters

Guarantors of quality and enjoyment

The "Ölspur" Farmers

The "Ölspur" farmers are the key to the green gold of Styria and an immense asset for the Styrian "Ölspur". They offer tasty, high-quality pumpkin seed oil for sale in their own farm stores and some even sell it online as well.

Meet the "Ölspur" Farmers

Birthplace of the exquisite

The Oil Mills

What an experience - deep nutty aromas, and a palpable richness and density of unsurpassable elegance. The oil mills along the Styrian "Ölspur" offer insight into the production of pumpkin seed oil.

Visit the Oil Mills

The "Ölspur" Partner Businesses

Strong partners along the Styrian "Ölspur"

The "Ölspur" partner businesses come from various economic sectors and, like all other "Ölspur" businesses, are committed to regionality, craftsmanship and the production of local specialties in the Schilcherland region. A visit to the State Experimental Station for Special Crops in Wies is highly recommended for all lovers of pumpkin. In addition to selling local herbs and vegetables fresh from the garden, the experimental station is also dedicated to the cultivation of over 100 different pumpkin varieties and species.

Versuchsstation für Spezialkulturen

Moorbad im Kloster, Kurhotel-Restaurant

Weingut Jöbstl Stammhaus

Verein Schilcherland Spezialitäten

Hofkäserei Deutschmann

Jöbstl Schaubrennerei & Museum

Der Stainzer Flascherlzug

Kaffeerösterei Hubmann Stainz

Heavenly taste with rejuvenating effect

The "Superfood" In Styria

Connoisseurs around the world have discovered pumpkin seed oil for themselves; even the top chefs like to refine their dishes with the green treasure. What they love about it? Pumpkin seed oil flows creamy and dark green, with a delicate caramel and nut fragrance. The flavours flow over your palate, with a hint of the crust from a fresh loaf of bread, coupled with subtle roasted aromas. However, it's not only the taste of pumpkin seed oil that gives it a uniqueness, but also its valuable ingredients.

Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Seed Oil:

100g Styrian pumpkin seed oil contains on average:

Energy 3700kJ / 900kcal
Fat 100g
- of which 18g saturated
- 36g monosaturated
- 46g polysaturated
Carbohydrates 0g
- of which 0g sugar,
0g Protein,
0g Salt,
29mg* Vitamin E (*corresponds to 242 % of the daily nutrient reference value)

But pumpkin seeds not only provide excellent oil, they also rejuvenate the cells. How does it work? Pumpkin seeds contain spermidine, which helps neutralize the effects of cellular aging. As 11 studies in accredited laboratories have shown, pumpkin seeds are a spermidine-rich "superfood". A small handful of pumpkin seeds is enough to add to your daily routine.

The "Ölspur" Communities

A sense of tradition and nature

The 15 communities of southern Styria, which have committed themselves to the Styrian "Ölspur", are aware of the tradition around the "green gold" in the region, so special attention is paid to the sowing and harvesting of the seeds. Of course, these culinary pleasures are best enjoyed at one of the the various restaurants with a glass of Schilcher wine at hand.