Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst
Record Number: 110
Disclosure Date
The priest Leopold Rem (1743 – 1765) was the first to promote fruit cultivation in the Buchkirchen-Scharten region and bring it to prominence.
Photo: BMLFUW/A...
Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst
(Buchkirchner-Schartner choice fruit)
Abstract or claim
Traditional cultivation of choice fruit in meadow orchards and alongside roads in the municipalities of Buchkirchen and Scharten, Upper Austria.
The fruit derives its highest quality, unique sweet taste and characteristic intensive flavour from the specific soil and climatic conditions of the region together with the cultivation method, the state of ripeness and the conditions of storage.
Fruit cultivation in the region decisively contributes to an increase in the value of the region. In addition, the fruit trees stabilise the region's hillsides, which are prone to erosion, and provide valuable habitats for animals and plants.
Name of product, Product class
Choice fruit, dessert fruit, fruit
Name of region
Municipality of Buchkirchen, Municipality of Scharten, Upper Austria, Austria
Field of search
Food and agriculture
Name of information provider
Heimo Strebl
Name of applicant for title
---
Holder of knowledge or associated resources
20 farmers from the region
Grantee(s), holder(s), assignee(s) or owner(s) of title, if any
---
Descriptors
- History:
History of fruit cultivation:
Fruit was first cultivated as far back as 6000 B.C. as documented in archaeological finds. Fruit cultivation is mentioned both in the Odyssey and the Iliad.
Finds from Neolithic pile dwellings (3500 to 2200 B.C.) at Lake Bodensee revealed the charred remains of dried apples and stones of pears, plums, wild cherries and blackthorn. They account for the fact that the wild cultivars of apple, pear, cherry and plum were already indigenous to Central Europe at that time.
The Greeks cultivated fruit not only by experience but also on a scientific basis. Aristotle (384 - 322 B.C.) mentioned classifications of fruit and his pupil Theophrastus (ca. 371 - 287 B.C.) described the probably oldest assortment of fruit.
The Romans further developed the knowledge imparted to them by the Greeks. In his Historia naturalis, Pliny (c23-79 AD) gives an overview of the range of pears, apples, plums, cherries, service trees, walnuts, quinces and medlars that were known at that time as well as detailed information on the cultivation, care and grafting of fruit trees.
In medieval times Charlemagne (747 - 814 AD) promoted the cultivation of fruit in Europe by his enactment "Capitulare de villis vel curtis imperii" of 802 in which he gave detailed instructions on which kinds of fruit should be planted in gardens.
Fruit cultivation in Austria:
During the entire Middle Ages, the monasteries were considered to be special promoters of fruit cultivation. Between the monasteries there existed a lively exchange of knowledge of cultivation and cultivars. Thus, the monasteries considerably contributed to the widespread distribution of different fruit cultivars. Many names of varieties such as the Klosterapfel (monastery apple) still indicate their origin in monasteries.
Until the Late Middle Ages, the Upper Austrian monasteries served apples, pears, sour cherries and cherries primarily for dessert and for dinner.
Due to the high demand, in particular in the cities where fruit was actively traded, a separate guild of the Öbstler (fruit traders) developed in Vienna in 1372.
Empress Maria Theresia (1740 - 1780) issued a decree requiring the planting of fruit trees in extensive meadow orchards and thus caused an upturn in fruit cultivation in the 18th century. Her son Joseph II awarded farmers with a silver medal when they planted more than 100 fruit trees. Moreover, he ordered that fruit trees should be planted on the occasion of a marriage. The decree by Empress Maria Theresia is considered to be the basis for the promotion of fruit cultivation in the Buchkirchen-Scharten region.
Priest Leopold Rem (1743 - 1765) also promoted fruit cultivation and contributed to the region’s reputation for being a top-class fruit region.
In particular, the processing of fruit into apple cider and fruit brandy became increasingly important.
It is said that as early as in the 18th century the quality of the cider exceeded the quality of the wine in the region.
Legend has it that the clergymen of the municipalities of Buchkirchen and Scharten distilled a particularly good plum and cherry brandy.
Since the beginning of the 19th century, the cultivation of a growing number of choice fruit has become more widespread. Around 1800, the main promoters of this distribution were the pomologist Liegl (1777 - 1861) and the Augustinian canon and master gardener Schmidberger (1773 - 1844) from the St. Florian monastery near Linz.
In 1830, the topographer Benedict Pillwein wrote: “With regard to fruit cultivation, the Hausruck region ranks above all others. All field borders, paths and roads are lined with fruit trees. […] Where plenty of fruit is grown, much cider is also produced […] The parish of Scharten is well known as the first tree nursery of the district, indeed of the entire region above the River Enns. There, all sorts of choice fruit are cultivated in a masterly fashion. […].“
Meadow orchards with scattered fruit trees were characteristic of the Upper Austrian landscapes up until 1938. After World War II, many rows of fruit tree were cleared, which led to a rapid decrease in the number of trees.
In the last 50 years, the Buchkirchen-Scharten region has experienced an upturn in fruit cultivation.
In this hilly silt region which is very prone to erosion, the fruit trees have always been very important not only for cider production but in particular because of their stabilising effect on the hillsides.
In 2005, the Scharten/St. Marienkirchen an der Polsenz region was awarded the title Nature Park due to its especially dense population of fruit tree orchards. A primary objective of the Obst-Hügel-Land Nature Park Association is the preservation and further development of the typical rural cultural landscape. The care for fruit trees and the planting of fruit trees in meadow orchards, rows and alongside roads is generously supported by the Province of Upper Austria for this reason.
In autumn 2006, the Nature Park Association organised a joint fruit tree planting event featuring about 1800 fruit trees.
- Region:
Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
The region is situated in the central area of the Alpenvorland (foothills of the Alps) on a mountain ridge between the Wels Heath and the Eferding Basin at 340 - 430 metres above sea level.
The municipality of Buchkirchen is a part of the Lower Traun Valley.
The rolling hills of Scharten and its surroundings form the southern edge of the Eferding Basin as well as the watershed between the Danube and the River Traun.
This hilly country has several gaps (= Scharten in German).
One part of the Obst-Hügel-Land Nature Park belongs to the municipality of Scharten.
Terrain:
The more or less accentuated hilly country has the character of a low mountain range.
The terrain is divided into small units and characterised by numerous rows of fruit tree lines and alleys along the streets and paths as well as meadow orchards with scattered fruit trees featuring half-standard and standard trunks.
The area of cultivation of Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst lies at 430 metres above sea level.
Buchkirchen and Scharten are the largest fruit growing municipalities in Upper Austria. One third of the choice fruit from Upper Austria comes from these two municipalities.
Climatic and soil conditions:
The region is situated in the Central European transition climate (sub-oceanic climate) and is influenced by westerly winds.
Summers are cool and humid; winters are mild with lots of snow.
About 65 % of the 1000 - 1200 millimetres of precipitation fall in the 6 summer months with the maximum precipitation falling when the maximum temperature is reached in July. Another peak in precipitation occurs in February and leads to broken branches due to heavy snowfall.
The annual mean temperature is between 7.6 and 7.8 °C. The average number of frost days is 100 to 120, while the average number of summer days (maximum during the day > 25°C) is between 30 and 40.
From a geological perspective, the region is situated in the Molasse zone. The soil is composed of silt (rock mixture of clays and sandstone) covered by a layer of clay and gravel and provides optimal conditions for fruit cultivation.
The fruit trees stabilise the hillsides in the silt region, which is prone to erosion.
The climate and soil provide favourable conditions for fruit growing and are directly responsible for the unique intense aroma and the high quality of the Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst.
- Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst:
Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
Choice or dessert fruit is supposed to be eaten raw, i.e. fresh, while commercial fruit is processed into fruit products.
A great variety of fruit is cultivated in the Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst region, mainly pears, apples and plums.
However, cherries, apricots, quinces, sour cherries, strawberries and blueberries are also found in this region.
Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
Besides the heirloom apple and pear cultivars typical for this region (Maunzenapfel, Winterrambour, Grüne Pichlbirne, Landlbirne, Nagowitzbirne, Weberbartlapfel), modern high-yield varieties, such as Arlet, Elstar, Gala, Braeburn, Golden, Jonagold are also produced.
20 farmers in the region produce Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst according to the guidelines of Integrated Production (IP) and those of the AMA Quality Seal.
Due to the region's traditional cider and schnapps production, the majority of farms also have large stands of fruit trees.
Fertilisation and plant protection:
Fertilisation and plant protection are carried out following the specifications of Integrated Production as part of the Austrian Agri-Environmental Programme (ÖPUL).
Irrigation:
Young plantations are supplied in part by automatic drip irrigation.
Harvesting:
The fruit is harvested separately according to the variety. The time of harvest depends on the fruit type and variety.
Storage and packaging:
The fruit varieties are stored separately in cold storage facilities owned by the farmers or in a climate-controlled storage facility of the EFKO Frischfrucht&Delikatessen GmbH.
According to its physiological ripeness, the fruit is removed from storage and marketed.
Packaging for the retail market is done at the EFKO partner. The companies themselves package processed products such as apple chips or strudel filling on site.
Quality control:
The production of Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst is subject to the guidelines of Integrated Production as part of ÖPUL as well as the guidelines of the AMA Quality Seal. The ÖPUL and AMA guidelines are controlled according to the GLOBAL-GAP standards. In addition, EFKO conducts anonymous self-monitoring (laboratory analyses).
Each company undergoes controls once a year in the areas of production, social and hygienic standards for employees, storage and processing facilities and other production facilities.
Controls are carried out by an independent company that is commissioned by EFKO. In addition, AMA also conducts controls.
- Marketing:
The fruit is marketed primarily via the EFKO cooperative but also directly on the farms. Farmers’ markets, weekly markets and farm shops are supplied with the products as well.
Connection with the geographical area and traditional knowledge:
- Special soil and climatic conditions in the growing area provide ideal
conditions for cultivating choice fruit.
- In harmony with the native soil: The producers make sure that the
fruit varieties best adapted to the environment and climatic conditions
are propagated.
- Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst also includes different heirloom fruit varieties
that have been developed over centuries.
- Thanks to the type of cultivated land and special geographical conditions,
choice fruit with an exceptional taste, aroma and quality can be produced.
- The unique taste and aroma of Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst are directly
connected to the special geological and climatic conditions of the hilly country.
- The fruit trees in the region stabilise the hillsides that are very prone to
erosion (silt region).
- The production of Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst is the result of traditional
knowledge which has been passed on by people working in this field: traditional
knowledge and experience of the fruit growers (adaptation of cultivation
methods to the environmental conditions, selection of varieties, improvement of
the genetic make-up, know-how of harvesting methods and storage, experience
in processing) and the marketing experience of the wholesale and retail buyers.
- Utilisation:
Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
However, fruit is also processed into a number of products, such as fruit brandies, cider, juice, dried fruits and jams.
- Protection:
-
Key Words
Food and agriculture, traditional knowledge, Austria, Upper Austria, region, Buchkirchen, Scharten, choice fruit, dessert fruit, fruit, Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst, Buchkirchner-Schartner choice fruit
Bibliography / References
- Buchkirchner-Schartner Edelobst
www.genuss-region.at
- Band 24: Raumeinheit Inn- und Hausruckviertler Hügelland
http://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at/cps/rde/xbcr/SID-EB0D8EEC-86FAE098/ooe/Inn-_und_Hausruckviertler_Huegelland.pdf
- Buchkirchen
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buchkirchen
- Das Obst-Hügel-Land stellt sich vor.
http://www.obsthuegelland.at/index.php?id=6
- Der Brockhaus Ernährung. Autoren: Abele, H. et al. 2. überarbeitete
Ausgabe herausgegeben von der Lexikonredaktion des Verlags F.A.
Brockhaus, Leipzig, Mannheim, 2004.
- Der Most.Eine wirtschaftliche Studie von Dr. Ferdinand Krackowizer
Landes-Archivar.
http://cometo.schule.at/mostpresse/DerMost.htm
- E. SCHINNINGER, R. TÜRK. Flechten in Kulturlandschaften II - Das Eferdinger
Becken und angrenzende Gebiete
http://www.biologiezentrum.at/pdf_frei_remote/BNO_0011_0043-0082.pdf
- Fruchtsaft in Niederösterreich
http://www.soschmecktnoe.at/pdf_files/noe_fruchtsaft.pdf
- Frisches Obst und konservierte Früchte im Küchenalltag
http://www.ooegeschichte.at/Obst_und_konservierte_Fruechte.1171.0.html
- Gemeinde Scharten
http://www.scharten.at/
- Geschichte des Obstbaus
http://opus.bsz-bw.de/fhnu/volltexte/2007/772/pdf/Diplomarbeit.pdf
- Geschichte...der Gemeinde Buchkirchen- Aus der Geschichte von Buchkirchen
(zusammengestellt von Dr. Franz Schicklberger)
http://www.buchkirchen.at/system/web/sonderseite.aspx?menuonr=218575892&detailonr=218575892
- Grün im Dorf Teil 2
http://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at/cps/rde/xbcr/SID-3DCFCFC3-7951BDBE/ooe/bau_gruenimdorf2.pdf
- KILIAN, F. MÜLLER, F. STARLINGER. Die forstlichen Wuchsgebiete Österreichs-
Eine Naturraumgliederung nach waldökologischen Gesichtspunkten.
http://bfw.ac.at/300/pdf/1027.pdf
- MAIER-BRUCK F. Oberösterreich. Haustrunk. In: Vom Essen auf dem Lande.
Das große Buch der österreichsichen Bauernküche und Hausmannskost.
Verlag Kremayr & Scheriau, Wien, S. 304f.
- Obstbaumpflanzaktion im Naturpark Obst-Hügel-Land
http://www.obsthuegelland.at/index.php?id=115
- Obst- und Gartenbaugeschichte
http://www.ogv.at/ogv/documents/2007/ogv20070108000006.pdf
- Scharten
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scharten
- Schlier (Gestein)
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlier_(Gestein)
All internet references last accessed on March 24, 2009.
Language Code
German
Product of www.genuss-region.at
Yes
Regional contact
Office of the Municipality Buchkirchen
phone: 07242 28005-0
Office of the Municipality Scharten
phone: 07272 5255-0
www.edelobst.info
Author: Eva Sommer
24.10.2011, Lebensministerium III/4