Waldviertler Erdäpfel *

Traditional production of potatoes in small scale farms using environmentally friendly methods.
 
Record number: 23
 
Disclosure date
In 1740, first mention of potato growing in Pyhrabruck, near Weitra, Waldviertel.
 

Photo: BMLFUW/A...

Title  
Waldviertler Erdäpfel
(Waldviertler potatoes) 
 
 
 
 
 
Abstract or claim 
Specific methods and traditional knowledge of the production of potatoes in small scale farms using environmental friendly methods in the region "Waldviertel", Lower Austria
 
Name of product, product class
potato, 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 
Farmersin the administrative district Gmünd, Northern Waldviertel
 
Holder of knowledge or associated resources
Salzburger Gärtner und Gemüsebauern
60 Betriebe im Walser Gemüseland
Gem. Wals- Siezenheim
 
Grantee(s), holder(s), assignee(s) or owner(s) of title, if any
----
 
Descriptors
In 1740 first mention of potato growing in Pyhrabruck, near Weitra, Waldviertel. Empress Maria Theresia (1740 - 1780) and her son Joseph II promoted the cultivation of potatoes. The famine of 1772/1773 boosted the cultivation of potatoes.
The specific conditions of the soil and the climate (cool, boreal-like, short vegetation periods) contribute to the excellent taste and quality of the potatoes.
Since the beginning of potato growing, potatoes have been part of the traditional eating culture and the daily dishes.
At the beginning of May, the seed potatoes are put into the soil and the entire rows containing the potatoes are mounded. The harvest starts at the end of July, the main harvest is in September/October.
Nowadays, the main potato varieties are Sigma, Ditta, Kipfler and Hermes. However, around the municipality Litschau special varieties are grown, called Zyklamen (cyclamen) and Blauer Schwede (Blue Swede).
Direct marketing plays an important role (gastronomy, farmers markets, sale cooperations).
 
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 
 
Bibliography/ References
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
www.genuss-region.at
 
Language code
German
 
Product of www.genuss-region.at
yes
 
Regional contact 
Stadtgemeinde Litschau
Bgm. 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
 
* revised version in preparation
 

10.11.2011, Lebensministerium III/4