Wiener Gemüse

 
Record Number: 91
 
Disclosure Date 
Commercial vegetable growing in Vienna and its immediate vicinity is documented for the 15th century.
 

Photo: BM...

Title
Wiener Gemüse
(Vienna vegetables)
 
 
Abstract or claim 
Traditional growing of numerous vegetable species in Vienna, the capital of Austria.
Premium vegetables which are either field-grown or grown in protected cultures (greenhouses, folio tunnels) and marketed throughout the year.
 
Name of product, Product class
Vegetables
 
Name of region
Vienna, Austria
 
Field of search
Food and Agriculture
 
Name of information provider
Coordination unit of the Federal Chamber of Agriculture in Vienna
Mrs. Birgit Szigeti
 
Name of applicant for title
---
 
Holder of knowledge or associated resources
32 commercial vegetable gardeners in Vienna;
Producer association for fresh vegetables ‘LGV-Frischgemüse’ in Vienna;
Producer association Perlinger Gemüse GmbH 
 
Grantee(s), holder(s), assignee(s) or owner(s) of title, if any
---
 
Descriptors
- History:
Markets in Vienna:
In the past markets played a major role in the supply of the people of Vienna.
It can be assumed that the history of markets in Vienna began around 1150. A document of 1208 reported a "Marckt zu Wienn" (market in Vienna) for the first time. Probably this relates to the present “Hohe Markt” in the centre of Vienna. In 1234 the “Neuer Markt” or “novum forum” was first mentioned; it became the medieval market place for vegetables and meat.
From 1793 onwards an important vegetable and fruit market existed near Karlsplatz. Later on, this market was transferred to its present location on the overarched creek “Wienfluß”. The term “Naschmarkt” was mentioned in an official document of 1812 for the first time.
The designation “Naschmarkt” is not derived from “naschen” (to snack) or “kosten” (to degustate), but rather from “Aschngstättn”, the  ash disposal place south of Karlsplatz, or from the old term “Asch” for milk bucket. Originally the market was a farmers’ market for milk and milk products.
 
Vegetable growing in Vienna:
Commercial vegetable growing in Vienna and its immediate vicinity is documented from the 15^th  century.
Vegetable growing was mainly started under unfavourable conditions and with limited financial means by sons of farmers who had migrated from the Waldviertel region to Vienna.
From the 19 ^th  century onwards the growing city badly needed areas for residential and industrial buildings. Consequently, the vegetable growing areas in Simmering and Kagran decreased. In return, however, vegetable growing boosted in the neighbouring Marchfeld. (LINK Marchfeldgemüse)
 
In 1930 the “Gemüseverkaufs-Genossenschaft von Wiener Gärtnern” (Vegetable marketing-association of Viennese gardeners) was founded.
In 1933 a voluntary association of commercial gardeners termed “Wiener Gärtner-Landesgartenbauvereinigung Wien” was established.
 
In 1939 the association was suspended in the wake of Austria’s annexation into the Third Reich. In 1946 the “Landwirtschaftliche Gemüse- und Obst-Verwertungsgenossenschaft für Wien und Umgebung” (agricultural association for the marketing of vegetables and fruits of Vienna and surroundings) was founded which was renamed “LGV Frischgemüse Wien” in 1979.
 
In 1992 the marketing cooperation “Sonnenregion Ostösterreich” (SGV) (sun region East Austria) for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland was established under the aegis of LGV-Frischgemüse.
 
In 2005 the platform “Freiwillig ohne Gentechnik” (voluntarily non-GM) was jointly founded by the city of Vienna, the Viennese Chamber of Agriculture and LGV-Frischgemüse.
 
- Region:
Vienna is one of Austria’s nine Federal Provinces and, at the same time, the capital of Austria. Today it has 23 districts of which Simmering (11^th  district), Floridsdorf (21^st  district) and Donaustadt (22^nd  district) are relevant for vegetable growing.
 
Vienna is located in north-eastern Austria, at the easternmost extension of the Alps, in the Vienna Basin.
Elevations range from 151 m (Lobau) to 542 m (Hermannskogel).
 
In 2003 Vienna’s utilised agricultural area comprised about 6,505 hectares (15.7% of the total area of Vienna), thereof 4,921 hectares for crops, 749 hectares for wine and fruit growing and 835 hectares for gardening (700 hectares vegetable growing). There are about 770 agricultural enterprises.
 
LGV-Frischgemüse manages vegetable growing on 444 hectares (144 hectares of protected crops, 300 hectares field crops).
 
In the context of the Region of Delight ‘Wiener Gemüse’ encompasses the districts Simmering (Kaiserebersdorf, Albern), Floridsdorf and Donaustadt.
 
Soil and climatic conditions:
In the lower parts of Vienna soils were mainly formed by the Danube, which created terraces.
Vienna has a moderate continental climate. Summers are warm with average temperatures of 22 – 26 °C,  maxima exceeding 30 °C and lows of around 15 °C. Winters are relatively cold with average temperatures at about freezing point and snowfall occurring mainly from December through March.
The annual average precipitation is about 620 mm.
On average, 2,000 hours of sunshine are registered annually.
 
- Wiener Gemüse:
More than 40 different vegetables are grown, among them cucumbers (Cucumis sativus), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), peppers (Capsicum), head lettuce (Lactuca saiva), radish (Raphanus sativus subsp. sativus), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) and turnip cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. convar. acephala (DC.) Alef. var. gongylodes L.), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. silvestris L.), young onions (Allium fistulosum), cabbage (Brassica), leek (Allium porrum), various lettuce varieties (head salad, field-salad, Lollo Rosso, Lollo Bionda, oak-leaf lettuce, and frisée) as well as spinach (Spinacia oleracae), maize (Zea mays), root celery (Apium graveolens var.rapaceum), celery stalks (Apium graveolens var. secalinum var. dulce), and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo ssp. pepo convar. Giromontiina).
 
Method of production:
Commercial gardeners in Vienna grow vegetables on about 1.5 hectares on average. The enterprises are family owned. Vegetables are grown on fields and in protected cultures (heatable greenhouses and folio tunnels).
 
The production follows the requirements of Integrated Production (IP), taking into account the protection of soils and minimal application of exclusively environmentally-friendly plant protection products.
To a smaller extent vegetables are grown under the organic scheme.
 
Seeds:
Wiener Gemüse is exclusively grown from non-GM seeds.
 
Fertilization and irrigation:
Wiener Gemüse is grown on fields registered in farmers’ acreage indices.
In the framework of Integrated Production soils are regularly tested for phosphorus and potassium levels (twice per year) and nitrogen levels (annually).
Fertilization is subject to the requirements of the Austrian Agri-environmental Programme (ÖPUL). The application of fertilizers has to be documented in the acreage index.
 
For irrigation purposes rainwater, groundwater or Wiener Hochquellwasser (drinking water from alpine wells transported to Vienna via water pipelines) is used.
Vegetables in protected cultures may be supplied with nutrients by computerised drip irrigation systems.
 
Crop rotation:
Where vegetables are field-grown, crop rotation is required. Crop rotation depends on the vegetables grown.
 
Plant protection methods for protected crops:
To avoid weeds and soil diseases soils are covered with white plastic folios. In Integrated Production, only biological pest control (use of beneficial antagonists) is permitted.
 
Harvest:
Depending on the variety vegetables are harvested either manually or mechanically. Harvesting takes place throughout the year with a peak season from mid-March to early-November.
 
Processing and packaging:
Following harvesting the vegetables are stored in line with their relevant requirements. After that, they are packed for sale by the respective producer organisation.
The bigger part is sold as fresh vegetables; only a small portion is processed by direct marketers.
 
Proof of origin:
Vienna vegetables have to be traceable along the food chain. For this purpose farmers have to record data about the fields and varieties used as well as information on the harvesting of the different varieties.
 
The regional packaging companies record suppliers and varieties, the amounts of vegetables, and the delivery dates.
 
In food retail, the vegetables are labelled with a batch number, which allows consumers to trace the product back to the producer.
 
- Quality:
Wiener Gemüse complies with quality class I in food trade.
 
Quality control:
The production of Wiener Gemüse is subject to the requirements of the Austrian Agri-environmental Programme (ÖPUL) and to the requirements of the AMA Quality Seal. Both are controlled by accredited control organisations. Additional arrangements may be required in the case of contract farming.
The AMA Quality Seal fulfils the criteria of GLOBALGAP for farmers in Austria.
Certified packaging companies, processors and traders apply the International Food Standard (IFS).
 
LGV-Frischgemüse has adopted internal guidelines for grading, packaging and production which go beyond EU standards.
Every year several hundreds of vegetable samples are voluntarily analysed for pesticide residues, nitrate content and other environmentally relevant contaminants by the food investigation institute of the city of Vienna (MA 38). The results reveal a clear tendency to lower contamination of food products with environmental pollutants. This reflects the high quality of Wiener Gemüse. 
 
In addition to external controls by accreditated laboratories, LGV-Frischgemüse carries out strict internal quality controls which, depending on the relevant vegetable variety, may comprise up to 20 parameters.
Beyond regular controls as to the degree of ripeness, weight and external quality and sensory tests, LGV also carries out no-notice checks.
Storage trials provide useful information about the durability of vegetable varieties.
The results of tests and trials are the basis for the joint decision of LGV and gardeners about seeds, suitable cultivation methods and plant protection.
 
- Marketing:
Wiener Gemüse is available throughout the year. 75 % is marketed via
LGV-Frischgemüse Wien, the rest by the producer organisation Perlinger Gemüse GmbH or by direct marketing.
About 4 % is exported to Germany, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Italy.
 
Connection with the geographical area and Traditional Knowledge
- Particular soil- and climatic conditions of the region provide ideal conditions
  for vegetables field-grown or grown in protected cultures (greenhouses,
  folio tunnels).
- The unique taste and aroma of Wiener Gemüse is linked to the optimal soil,
  water and climatic conditions and to short transport distances.
- The production of Wiener Gemüse is the result of Traditional Knowledge
  passed on from generation to generation: the Traditional Knowledge and
  expertise of vegetables farmers (adaptation of the cultivation to the
  environmental conditions, selection of varieties, harvesting and storage
  techniques), of the  retail sellers in marketing, and of processors (deep-frozen
  vegetables, convenience products, vegetable preserves).
 
- Utilization:

Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman

Wiener Gemüse is either used as fresh vegetables or is further processed.
A traditional recipe is “vegetables à la viennoise”(rouxed vegetables). In the past vegetables and pulses were staple food for urban worker families with many children. The addition of fat and flour to vegetables and pulses targeted at the increase of calories and at reaching a feeling of repletion.  
Up to now the term “Gemüse auf Wiener Art” (vegetables à la viennoise) is synonymous to rouxed vegetables.
 
- Protection: 
Word/picture trademark “LGV-Frischgemüse” (Austrian Patent Office).
 
Key Words
Food and Agriculture, Traditional Knowledge, Austria, region, vegetables, LGV, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, radish, broccoli, young onion, cauliflower, cabbage, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce (head lettuce, field salad, Lollo Rosso, Lollo Bionda, leaf-oak lettuce, and frisée), spinach, maize, root celery, celery stalks, zucchini 
 
Bibliography / References
- ENGLERT, K. GRIESER, L. HASTREITER, G.F.HELLER (1993): 
  Asparagus, Peter Wodarz, Berlin, 1993, p. 24
- KAUPER R., STEINBAUER R. Regionalprofil der Region “Wien – Bratislava”.
  Institut für Regional- und Umweltwirtschaft
  Institute of Regional Development and Environment, 2007, p. 19
- REINER H. Gemüsepraxis. Wie Venus in den Rosen.
  http://www.helmutreiner.at/pdf/gemuese_qualitaet_teil5_kulturgeschichte.pdf
- Nachmarkt in: Die bekanntesten österreichischen Landschafts- und Gebietsnamen
  http://members.chello.at/heinz.pohl/Landschaften.htm 
- Boden in Wien
  http://wua-wien.at/home/naturschutz-und-stadtoekologie/boden-wien
- Daten und Fakten 
  http://www.lgv.at/uploads/media/LGV_DatenFakten_Basispresseinformation_Stand_01_2010.pdf - Die alten Märkte in der Innenstadt
  http://www.wien.gv.at/wirtschaft/marktamt/maerkte/geschichte/innenstadt.html
- Die Geologie von Wien
  http://www.wien.gv.at/verkehr/grundbau/geologie.html
- Die Landwirtschaft. Garten- und Gemüsebau. May 2007, pp. 4-33.
  www.agrarnet.info
- Frische mit Heimvorteil. LGV-Frischgemüse versorgt die Österreicher
  mit Tomaten, Gurken, Paprika & Co 
  http://www.lgv.at/uploads/media/PT_LGV_Basispresseinformation_Unternehmen_Stand_012009.pdf - Gartenbau in der Großstadt Wien
  http://www.blumenbuero.or.at/netautor/napro4/appl/na_professional/parse.php?id=2500%2C%2C3826%2C
- Gemüse, älter als die Menschheit
  http://www.ama-marketing.at/index.php?id=596
- Genussregion Wiener Gemüse
  http://www.forumland.at/index.php?pid=26969&etxsid=f113c3e0ac6be0055b6dc5f92e3e2e8f
- Genussregion „Wiener Gemüse“
  http://www.agrarnet.info/netautor/napro4/appl/na_professional/parse.php?id=2500%2C1380784%2C%2C%2CbnBmX3NldF9wb3NbaGl0c109Mg%3D%3D
- Grünes Tirol. Tiroler Kulturpflanzen. Die Geschichte der Kulturpflanzen
  (2^nd  part of a multi-part contribution)
  http://www.tirol.gv.at/fileadmin/www.tirol.gv.at/themen/laendlicher-raum/agrar/zahlen-daten-agrarberichte/downloads/GGene_Save_Gruenes_Tirol_Ausgabe_2_2007_neu.pdf
- Grünes Tirol. Tiroler Kulturpflanzen. Die Geschichte der Kulturpflanzen
  (1^st  part of a multi-part contribution)
  http://www.tirol.gv.at/fileadmin/www.tirol.gv.at/themen/laendlicher-raum/agrar/zahlen-daten-agrarberichte/downloads/Gene_Save_Tiroler_Kulturpflanzen_Gruenes_Tirol_Ausgabe_2_2007.pdf - Jubiläumsfestschrift des Gartenbauvereins von Wien und
  Niederösterreich, Wien 1921
- LGV-Frischgemüse
  http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGV-Frischgem%C3%BCse
- LGV Schönes Gemüse
  http://www.lgv.at/  
- MAIER-BRUCK F. Wien: Gemüse, Salate, Soßen. In: Vom Essen auf dem
  Lande, 2^nd  edition, Verlag Kremayr & Scheriau, Wien, 1995, p. 596 et seq.
- SEVCZIK F. Wien: Der Gemüsebau von Wien und Niederdonau, Dissertation
  der Wirtschaftswissenschaften, 1944, pp. 9-15, 450-453, 483 et seq.
- Sortenvielfalt für jeden Geschmack
  LGV-Frischgemüse sorgt für Qualität und Abwechslung auf dem Gemüseteller 
  http://www.lgv.at/uploads/media/PT_LGV_Basispresseinformation_Gemuese_Stand_012009.pdf - Wien
  http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wien  
- Wiener Landwirtschaftsbericht
  http://www.lk-wien.at/netautor/napro4/appl/na_professional/parse.php?id=2500%2C1290553%2C%2C
 
All internet references last accessed on 29 October 2009.
 
Language Code
German
 
Product of www.genuss-region.at
Yes
 
Regional contact
Coordination unit of the Federal Chamber of Agriculture in Vienna
Mrs. Birgit Szigeti
Gumpendorfer Straße 15
1060 Wien
Phone: 0043 1/5879528-23
Email: birgit.szigeti@lk-wien.at 
 
Authors: Mag. Doris Reinthaler, Mag. Eva Sommer, Dr. Erhard Höbaus
 

11.02.2010, Lebensministerium III/4