Photo: Rita Newman
Waldviertler Erdäpfel
Record number: 23
Disclosure date
Potato growing in the Waldviertel is first mentioned in 1740, when it is described as taking place in the village of Pyhrabruck, near the town of Weitra.
Photo: BMLFUW/A...
Waldviertler Erdäpfel
(Waldviertel potatoes)
Abstract or claim
Specific methods and traditional knowledge of the production of potatoes on small-scale farms using environmentally-friendly methods in the Waldviertel region of Lower Austria.
The region’s specific soil and climate conditions, localised cultivation methods, the state of ripeness at harvest and storage conditions combine to contribute potatoes of the very highest quality with a characteristic appearance and flavour.
Name of product, product class
Potatoes, vegetables
Name of region
Northern Waldviertel, Lower Austria, Austria
Field of search
Food and Agriculture
Name(s) of information provider
Municipality of Litschau
Names of applicant for title
---
Holder of knowledge or associated resources
Farmers in the administrative district of Gmünd, in the northern Waldviertel area
Grantee(s), holder(s), assignee(s) or owner(s) of title, if any
----
Descriptors
- History:
The potato species originated in the Andes, and was probably first cultivated in Peru some 7,000 years ago. In 1536 the Conquistador Pizzaro took potatoes back from South America to Spain after conquering the Inca Empire, after which the new vegetable quickly spread throughout Europe.
In 1620, the monks of Seitenstetten monastery (in the Mostviertel region) cultivated potatoes in the monastery garden in the region we now call Lower Austria.
Empress Maria Theresa (1740 - 1780)promoted the cultivation of potatoes, commanding that they be grown at Pyrhabruck, a village in the Waldviertel region.
This means potato cultivation can be proven to have been going on in the Waldviertel region since around 1740.
The Waldviertler Erdapfel (‘Waldviertel potato’), also known as the ‘Erdbirn’, ‘Grundbirn’ or ‘Grumbirn’ (‘ground-apple’ or ‘ground-pear’), was originally only grown in the Waldviertel as an ornamental or pot plant, until the message of its nutritional value and high propagation rate reached the area from other parts of Europe.
The growing importance of potatoes as a foodstuff is known from the War of Bavarian Succession between Prussia and Austria (1778 to 1779), also referred to as the ‘Potato War’, when troops on both sides dug up opposing forces’ potatoes to undermine their food supplies.
The potato gradually began to replace other more established varieties of vegetable in the Waldviertel (e.g. cabbage), eventually becoming the regional staple by the nineteenth century.
In the mid-nineteenth century, a large part of the potato production was destroyed by leaf and potato blight (phytophthora), and in 1874 Colorado beetle ate its way through Europe’s herbaceous potato crop.
These two calamities triggered the development of more resistant varieties, however, producing improvements in plant protection and cultivation techniques.
- Region:
Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
The Waldviertel is bordered by the Danube to the south, by Upper Austria to the southwest, by the Czech Republic to the northeast and the north, and by the hill of Manhartsberg to the east.
Centres of potato growing in the Waldviertel include Zwettl, Allensteig, Gmünd, Schrems, Groß-Gerungs, Litschau, Waidhofen and Weitra.
Gmünd is home to the only starch potato processing location in Austria.
The main area under cultivation of the Waldviertler Erdäpfel lies at an altitude of around 480 - 670 metres above sea level.
The areas of land given over to cultivation of the Waldviertler Erdäpfel are small, with most under a hectare in size.
Climatic and soil conditions:
The Waldviertel has a continental climate, typical of low mountain ranges. Its summers are warm, with few hot days and cool nights, while winters are relatively cold with little snowfall. The climate is also distinguished by frequent early and late frosts.
Annual precipitation ranges between 500 and 800 mm, with the maximum in summer. The vegetation period is short.
Geologically, the Waldviertel region is a mountainous area composed of granite and gneiss with altitudes up to 1,000 m.
It is part of the Bohemian Massif, and characterised by light,
sandy soils, brown podsolic soils, brown soils and semi-podsols.
The soils are rich in humus, with a pH value of between 5.6 and 6.
- Waldviertler Erdäpfel (Waldviertel potatoes):
The term ‘Erdapfel’ (plural ‘Erdäpfel’) is a traditional term widely used in Austria to refer to the potato.
Waldviertel Erdäpfel are produced on more than 3,000 farms, with around 20 % of the area given over to organic cultivation.
Method of production
Seeds:
Waldviertler Erdäpfel are tuberous crops from the perennial Solanum tuberosum L. of the Solanaceae family.
The main potato varieties grown nowadays are Ditta and Agria. A number of special varieties, such as ‘Zyklamen’ (cyclamen) and ‘Blauer Schwede’ (Blue Swede), are grown around the Litschau municipality.
The majority of seed potatoes stem from the region.
Soils and fertilisation:
For Waldviertler Erdäpfel, which are produced subject to the requirements of integrated production and the AMA Quality Seal, the following applies:
- Potatoes are exclusively cultivated on fields listed in a farmer’s field record. This
ensures traceability to a specific field.
- Soils used for potato cultivation must be provided with an optimal supply of nutrients.
Soil analyses therefore have to be carried out by an accredited institute at five-year
intervals.
- The potatoes are only fertilised where needed. The potatoes should be supplied with
the optimal amounts of phosphorus and potash, as the alternative can be a reduction
in quality and a worsening of their cooking properties (e.g. darkening after cooking).
- The requirements of the ‘Österreichisches Programm zur Förderung einer umweltgerechten,
extensiven und den natürlichen Lebensraum schützenden Landwirtschaft’ (the Austrian
Agro-Environmental Programme, or ‘ÖPUL’) apply to table potatoes.
Fertilisation has to be documented in the field record.
In the autumn, well rotted farmyard manure is worked into the soil (c. 200 dt per hectare) where this is available.
Crop rotation:
Crop rotation is necessary to the greatest possible extent to prevent potato diseases or pests.
In the case of integrated production or the AMA Quality Seal, the following applies:
Potatoes may only be cultivated on the same plot after at least three other crops have been grown there. Ideally, 3 to 4 other cultures should first be cultivated for the quality of the potato to be increased.
Crop rotation encompasses grass clover, peas and lupine.
Cultivation:
The seed potatoes are placed in the soil mechanically at the beginning of April/May. (Minimum soil temperature of 8 °C).
The seed tubers are conditioned for efficient budding after planting.
Before laying seed potatoes, the soil has to be finely crumbled.
Cultivation takes place in a dam system, with each dam 75 cm wide.
The rows are subsequently mounded with soil.
An individual potato plant covers an area of around 33 x 75 cm (approx. 40,000 – 50,000 planting spots per hectare).
Measures for plant protection:
Plant protection measures against pests and diseases may only be taken once defined thresholds have been reached.
Only authorised plant protection products may be used. There are restrictions in place on plant protection products (‘positive list’) in the cases of both integrated and quality seal production.
Irrigation:
Waldviertler Erdäpfel are not irrigated.
Controlling starch content:
At the advanced vegetation stage, the starch content of the potato should be controlled by means of random sampling to obtain the desired cooking property. This serves to determine the optimal harvesting time, when the potato has reached the shape and size typical for its variety.
Harvesting, sorting and storaging:
In the autumn, when potato tubers are ripe and firm and weather and soil conditions are favourable, the potato varieties are harvested mechanically. High priority is attached ensuring that the potato tuber is handled gently.
The harvest starts at the end of July, with the main harvesting of Waldviertler Erdäpfel in September/October.
The harvest is carried out using potato diggers (spinners and shakers) or harvesters, at temperatures above 10 °C.
The average yield is around 32 tons per hectare of table potatoes, and 35 tons per hectare in the case of starch potatoes.
The sorting is done by hand on the potato digger.
The potatoes are sorted, in other words differentiated by appearance and quality.
The potatoes are stored carefully either at the farm itself or regional communal warehouses, at an optimal temperature (around 3 - 5 °C) and in dark, well aerated areas. The potatoes are stored both in crates and in bulk.
This means they are not subject to damage by crushing or premature seasoning. The potatoes can be stored naturally until May/June the following year.
The majority of potatoes in the region are packaged in various sales units of between 1 and 10 kg, both in crates and nets.
Proof of origin
Waldviertler Erdäpfel haveto be traceable along the food chain.
For this purpose, farmers have to record data about the fields and varieties used and harvesting of different varieties.
Quality control:
Company-specific quality regulations apply to processing potatoes.
Some 11 % of the area under production is subject to the regulations of integrated production within the framework of ÖPUL and the guidelines of the AMA Quality Seal.
Controls based on the ÖPUL and AMA guidelines are carried out by accredited control stations, while a wide range of internal checks is also in place.
Quality Labelling:
Partly the AMA Quality Seal or Global GAP at the level of the farmer, and partly the IFS Standard at that of the packer, processor and trader, showing that the product meets the International Food Standard (IFS).
- Marketing:
Marketing takes place through regional potato traders, Gmünd starch factory, the food industry, direct marketing, food retailers and processing companies.
Connection between the geographical area and traditional knowledge:
- In the area under cultivation, special soils of a light, sandy and nutritious nature
and a continental highland climate make it possible to grow a wide range of different
varieties of potato of the highest quality.
- Waldviertler Erdäpfel covers a range of different varieties, including local types,
which have adapted perfectly to suit local conditions.
- The culture type and specific geographical conditions make it possible to produce
potatoes offering special flavour and quality.
- The unique flavour and aroma of Waldviertler Erdäpfel are directly related to the
region’s warm summers, low precipitation and cold winters.
- Production of Waldviertler Erdäpfel is the result of traditional knowledge handed
down to those active in the field: the traditional knowledge and experience of
potato farmers (adaptation of the cultural form to the environmental conditions,
selection of varieties, ancient cultivation and harvesting methods, improvement
of the genetic heritage, know-how regarding the optimum harvest and storage
subject to optimal conditions) and the experience of buyers and retailers of marketing.
- Utilisation:
Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
Table potatoes: potato salad, ‘Waldviertler Knödel’ (dumplings), ‘Erdäpfelsterz’ (a mixture of potatoes and breadcrumbs), roast potatoes, potato fritters, original Waldviertler Mohnnudeln’ (noodles made with potatoes and poppy), potato soup, Erdäpfelkas (a spread made with potatoes and sour cream) and others.
Food industry potatoes: potato flakes for mashed potato and dumplings
Baby food (these flakes are also produced in Gmünd)
Starch potatoes: in cosmetics items, as an additive in paper production, the building industry and chemical industry
- Protection:
-
Key words
Food and agriculture, traditional knowledge, Austria, Lower Austria, region, Waldviertel, Gmünd, potato, potatoes, Erdapfel, Zyklamen, Blauer Schwede, Sigma, Ditta, Kipfler, Hermes, Waldviertler Erdäpfel, Waldviertler potatoes
Bibliography/ References
- Erdäpfelschmankerl
http://www.waldviertel.or.at/waldviertel/content.asp?id=14829&tt=EX_WAV_R12
- H. Rützler Ernährungswissenschaftliche und kulinarische Imputs zum Thema Erdäpfel
in: Erdäpfelkulinarium der Niederösterreichischen Wirtshauskultur: Tag des guatn
Waldviertler Erdapfels“ Laimbach, 21. August 2002
www.litschau.at
- Kartoffeln und das Urgestein
http://193.171.252.18/www.kidsweb.at/kartoffel/seiten/waldviertel.htm
- MAIER-BRUCK F. Niederösterreich. Gemüse, Salate, Soßen. In: Vom Essen auf dem
Lande- Das große Buch der österreichischen Hausmannskost. Verlag Kremayr &
Scheriau, Wien, 2. Auflage 2003. S. 166-168.
- TASCHEE S. J. Im Namen der Kartoffel. In: Genuss Spezialitäten.pur. Herbst 2008.
S. 12-15.
- Waldvietler Erdäpfel
www.erpfi.at
- Waldviertler Erdäpfel
www.genuss-region.at
- Waldviertler Erdäpfel ( Kartoffel )
http://www.naturviertel.at/2.html
- Waldviertler Spezialitäten vom Biobauern
http://www.tiscover.at/at/guide/5,de,SCH1/objectId,IND491700at,season,at2,selBlk,ADDPGBLK,selElem,BKEL05at/intern.html
All internet references last accessed on July 17th , 2009.
Language code
German
Product of www.genuss-region.at
Yes
Regional contact
Stadtgemeinde Litschau
mayor Otto Huslich
Stadtplatz 25
3874 Litschau/ Niederösterreich
Phone: 02865/219
E-mail: bgm.huslich@litschau.at
www.litschau.at
Authors: Mag. Eva Sommer, Dr. Erhard Höbaus
27.02.2012, Lebensministerium III/4