Varaždin pumpkin seed oil entered in EU register of protected designations of origin

(Photo credit: Varaždinsko bučino ulje/Facebook)

ZAGREB, July 4 (Hina) – “Varaždinsko bučino ulje”, a pumpkin seed oil made in the area of Varaždin County, has been entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications, the European Commission said in the EU Official Journal on Monday.

The procedure to have the product’s geographical indication protected was launched by the Varaždin Pumpkin Seed Oil association, which submitted an application to that effect with the Agriculture Ministry. 

“Varaždinsko bučino ulje” is a virgin edible oil obtained by roasting and mechanically pressing the seeds of the Styrian pumpkin. It is used as a condiment for dishes and salads.

 “Varaždinsko bučino ulje” has a dark green to black colour with a reddish sheen. The aroma is dominated by a roasted sensation infused with a distinctive nutty flavour, without any foreign or rancid odours or tastes. It is aromatic, with a smooth, subtle taste and a clearly recognisable scent of roasted pumpkin seeds. It is characterised by fragrant, spicy notes and a well-balanced bouquet. 

The texture of the oil is rounded and refined, with a good viscosity, visually appealing, and glossy. The production of “Varaždinsko bučino ulje,” from pumpkin cultivation to oil extraction, has a centuries-old tradition in the Varaždin County region. Based on the experience and knowledge of the producers, the processing of the seeds into “Varaždinsko bučino ulje” is done at lower temperatures, which releases sweeter aromatic notes than would be achieved with typical roasting temperatures. 

(Photo credit: Varaždinsko bučino ulje/Facebook)

Additionally, smaller amounts of table salt are added during the preparation of the dough from ground pumpkin seeds, contributing to the unique quality of “Varaždinsko bučino ulje.”

With the latest entry, Croatia now has 44 agricultural and food products in the EU’s register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications, the Agriculture Ministry said.

The products are: „Varaždinsko bučino ulje“, Krčki pršut, Ekstra djevičansko maslinovo ulje Cres, Neretvanska mandarina, Ogulinsko kiselo zelje / Ogulinski kiseli kupus, Baranjski kulen, Lički krumpir, Istarski pršut / Istrski pršut, Drniški pršut, Dalmatinski pršut, Poljički soparnik / Poljički zeljanik / Poljički uljenjak, Zagorski puran, Krčko maslinovo ulje, Korčulansko maslinovo ulje, Paška janjetina, Šoltansko maslinovo ulje, Varaždinsko zelje, Slavonski kulen / Slavonski kulin, Međimursko meso ‘z tiblice, Slavonski med, Lička janjetina, Istra, Paška sol, Zagorski mlinci, Paški sir, Bjelovarski kvargl, Brački varenik, Varaždinski klipič, Malostonska kamenica, Rudarska greblica, Dalmatinska pečenica, Dalmatinska panceta, Lički škripavac, Bračko maslinovo ulje, Zagorski bagremov med, Zagorski štrukli / Zagorski štruklji, Meso istarskog goveda – boškarina / Meso istrskega goveda – boškarina, Samoborska češnjovka / Samoborska češnofka, Lumblija, Goranski medun, Dalmatinska janjetina, Slavonska kobasica, Komiški rogač i  Novigradska dagnja.