History of Styrian Pumpkins: The pumpkin is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants, the origin of the common pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) has been scientifically dated from 10,700 to 9,200 B.C. The common pumpkin originated in the Southern areas of Mexico. The pumpkin came most likely to Europe first after the discovery of America. An important point to remember is that these early pumpkin seeds had a thick shell, similarly to the pumpkins that are still planted today in many parts of the world including United States where we have the Halloween pumpkin with the light colored, thick shelled seeds, that are hard to eat because of the shells. The Pumpkin family has many members, including the variety Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca, which produces the so called shell-less Styrian pumpkin seed. This variety of pumpkins with shell-less seeds arose about 150 years ago as a result of a natural mutation. The production of Styrian pumpkin seed oil was made considerably easier, since the seeds did not have to be laboriously hand shelled. In the mean time, the Styrian pumpkin seed has been specially bred, so that today we have the corpulent, dark green, shell-less pumpkin seeds that are perfect for use in the production, one of a kind Schlacher & Söhne Pumpkin Seed Oil P.G.I. Schlacher & Söhne Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil A high quality pumpkin seed oil is not determined solely by the pressing process. The quality of the soil and seeds, method of cultivation, harvest and storage, gentle and slow roasting process, pressing of the seeds, packaging and presentation, as well as, the correct climatic balance of the sun and moisture all play a decisive role in producing and being able to offer you a top quality product. S&S is the The "Green Gold” of Styria! Made and bottled in Austria. Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): It's assured that the pumpkin seeds originate in a geographically defined region, in Austria. The pumpkin seed oil was manufactured in domestic oil mills and that it is 100% pure pumpkin seed oil from the first pressing. It has an ID number which ensures that your oil can be traced right back to the pumpkin seed producer. Be careful!!! Pumpkin seed oil without this logo are not 100% pure and are mixed with cheaper oils from Eastern Europe and China and are shallow and tasteless. PGI: PGI With its designation as a product of Protected Designation of Origin, Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil P.G.I. joins the company of products such as: Prosciutto di Parma, Prosciutto di San Daniele, Greek Feta Cheese and Nürnberger Lebkuchen as one of the most well controlled, elite and exclusive European specialities. The seeds used in pressing must come from pumpkins of the species Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca. The procedure for the pressing of the pumpkin seeds follows traditional methods, meaning the washed and dried seeds are ground, are then slowly and gently heated and finally pressed without the use of any refining procedures. The oil must be 100% pure Pumpkin Seed Oil from the first pressing. Buyer Beware Pumpkin seed oils which do not fulfill these criteria or have been mixed with other oils are not given a “P.G.I.” label and may not be called "Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil". You recognize such products under similar names as "Pumpkin Seed Oil" or "Salad Oil". The label with the individual, batch number and a PGI label ensures you a controlled Original Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil P.G.I. Made in Austria Schlacher & Söhne embodies local farming, culinary delights and healthy nutrition. Our products are deeply rooted in the area: Styria, the green heart of Austria. We know from the very beginning which seeds are sown on which field by which farmer. This enables us to track back our products to their very beginnings: the farmers who have grown them. Additionally, we place emphasis on producing food which is very high in terms of quality, natural and free from genetical modification. The Champagne of Styria (Steiermark) The cultivation of pumpkin seeds for the extraction of pumpkin oil has been a local tradition in Styria for many generations. This industry provides many farmers and operators of commercial oil presses with a reliable source of income. The P.G.I. label was created in order to protect the origin of the pumpkin seeds and secure a long-term income potential for Styrian pumpkin farmers and operators of oil presses. For the P.G.I. all these pumpkins must be grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or any other chemical or synthetic fertilizers. Health/Nutrition Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food -Hippocrates 460-377BC The healing power of pumpkins and pumpkin seeds was discovered centuries ago from Central America, particularly Mexico. The flesh has been commonly used for the treatment of skin irritations, ulcers and tumors. However, the real power is in the seeds. Pumpkin seeds are amazing little bites of nutrition and disease prevention. Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, they are among the world’s most beneficial superfoods. These seeds are an excellent source of many important nutrients for our bodies which are in short supply in the average western diet.