KernAktuell July 2018, News
Pumpkins and scarlet runner beans
Pumpkins and scarlet runner beans in all their glory
The pumpkin and the bean are two of the oldest crops in the world. The earliest finds of ordinary pumpkins have been dated by scientists to between 10,700 and 9,200 B.C.
Pumpkins and beans come from America and archaeological finds show that the oil- and protein-rich pumpkin seeds, as well as beans and maize, were used by the native Americans for food. After the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century, pumpkins and beans arrived at the Spanish court as decorative plants. These pumpkin varieties had a thick shell around the seed. Queen Isabella I of Castile was delighted by the beautifully flowering plants and so they rapidly became established in Spain, then in Europe and at the end of the 19th century also in Styria.
And then the “Styrian pumpkin seed miracle” occurred. Through selection by growers and with the Styrian climate in its favour, the pumpkin seed lost its woody husk, with the result that since then the green seed has been protected only by a thin silver skin. The Styrian oil pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca) was born. The Styrian pumpkin seed is characterised by the absence of a shell and by its dark green colour and delicately nutty flavour.
On account of its splendid flowers, the scarlet runner bean with its irresistible chestnut-like taste is also known as the fire bean or scarlet emperor. Scarlet runner beans are usually grown with maize, which provides support for the climber.
Ein kleiner Einblick
The biggest contract grower
of oil pumpkins PGI
Alwera AG, Estyria’s parent company, is responsible for production of the raw goods via a contract farming system. The two companies have for some years maintained the largest PDI area of oil pumpkin in Austria and they know the fields and the farmers personally.
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Traditional Styrian
stamp press process
While modernity has brought progress in many areas, the traditional Styrian stamp press process is still the best way of making pumpkin seed oil. The main difference between this and other pressing methods is that we work with open roasting pans. At our plant, people check when the pumpkin seeds are perfectly roasted and so will yield the very best oil. This enables our experienced oil millers to produce the pumpkin seed oil that has won more prizes than any other – and which as a result of this type of pressing retains all the natural constituents. The untreated oil is not filtered; the particles that make it cloudy settle naturally when the oil is left to rest.
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We are the specialist for pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil, pulses and mushrooms. Plus an extensive organic range of dry products. We are passionate about natural foods with high-quality ingredients..
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