Features of pumpkin seed oil production in its homeland – Austria

Pumpkin seed oil is not only a delicious product but also an exceptionally beneficial one. It is rich in vitamins A and E, fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6), and the mineral zinc, known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Raw pumpkin seed oil can — and should — be consumed internally, as well as applied externally by adding it to cosmetic products or using it in its pure form. It is produced through cold pressing from the seeds of a special pumpkin variety. In its homeland — the Austrian region of Styria — this process has unique characteristics. Styrian pumpkin seed oil is often called the «green gold of Austria» and is considered indispensable for culinary, wellness, and beauty purposes.

How pumpkin seed oil is made in Styria

Austrian pumpkin seed oil is known for its rich dark green (sometimes reddish) color and pronounced nutty aroma. It is produced from the seeds of the Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca pumpkin variety, which naturally lacks a hard outer shell. This allows the seeds to be pressed without preliminary husking.

The pumpkin seeds are first dried at 50°C (122°F), then ground while being mixed with water and salt. After that, the seed mass is lightly roasted to give the oil an especially rich flavor. The oil is extracted using a cold pressing method without solvent extraction, refining, or other industrial processing technologies.

Styrian pumpkin seed oil is considered a premium-quality product because its manufacturing process is labor-intensive and costly. Producing just one liter of oil requires at least 3 kilograms of pumpkin seeds, which can only be harvested from approximately 30–40 pumpkins. The oil undergoes strict quality control, including chemical and organoleptic testing (aroma, taste, color, and consistency), after which it receives a special certification seal.

Health benefits of styrian pumpkin seed oil

In Austria, this oil is sometimes referred to as «Styrian Viagra» because it is believed to support male libido and fertility. It also contains a unique compound called cucurbitin, which helps cleanse the body of parasites, especially pinworms.

The vitamins A and E, along with the fatty acids contained in raw pumpkin seed oil, play an important role in lipid metabolism and endocrine system function. They help reduce «bad» cholesterol levels, support liver regeneration, and normalize stomach acidity.

These valuable properties are characteristic not only of oil produced using traditional Styrian technology but also of any cold-pressed oil made from untreated hull-less pumpkin seeds. Such oil can be produced at home using a press, a barrel mold, and raw Styrian pumpkin seeds.

CraftOil equipment and products — the best foundation for homemade oil production

CraftOil offers an excellent and constantly expanding selection of products for oil production. Our catalog includes certified oil presses with capacities ranging from 20 to 75 tons, designed for both household and commercial use.

The 20-ton channel press, 20-ton hydraulic sheet press, 30-ton dismountable hydraulic press, and the paired 30/30-ton installation are ideal for those who want to produce vegetable oils for personal use, family, and friends.

The 50-ton Combo press, 70-ton «Austrian» press, and other professional models allow production volumes suitable for small and medium wholesale businesses.

All models can be equipped with caprolon or ashwood barrels, filter bags, and full technical support regarding operation and maintenance.

At CraftOil, customers can also order environmentally friendly, quality-certified hull-less Styrian pumpkin seeds, regular pumpkin seeds in shells, as well as sesame, mustard, white amaranth, and many other oilseed crops.

For more detailed information about our products or to place an order, please submit a request on our website.