Among top oil producers

Olive and pumpkin seed oils -special treasures of Slovenian gastronomy

Try extra virgin olive oil from Slovenian Istria and Štajerska or pumpkin seed oil from Prekmurje.

You can dress your salads with these oils, and many top restaurants will surprise you with their use of oil in an unexpected combination. Pumpkin seed oil with ice cream? Why not?

In Slovenian Istria , where the best organic olive oils are produced, the indigenous type of olive – istrska belica – prevails. Vivid green olives are cold pressed into oil within hours after harvesting. The oil is pleasantly spicy and its unsaturated fatty acids have health-protecting properties.

Surprisingly coloured and flavoured oil has been pressed in Thermal Pannonian Slovenia from the seed of large pumpkins for centuries

The distinctive and intense aroma of roasted pumpkin seeds goes surprisingly well with many dishes.

Štajerska and Prekmurje pumpkin seed oil with protected designation of origin is used in salads and spreads, while it also enriches pumpkin soups, cheeses, various meat and fish dishes, and surprises in desserts and ice creams.

Some 33 medium-sized pumpkins or 6 kilograms of seed is needed for one litre of oil, which has exceptional organoleptic properties. It is typically green brown or green brown and red. Clear, with no sediments and an optimum silky taste in the mouth.

Slovenian oil producers have been pressing it in a traditional manner since 1750.

Oils have protected designation of origin due to indigenous varieties, soil composition and climate features

Protection at the EU level proves authenticity and typical characteristics of both renowned Slovenian oils.

Oils made in Slovenia cannot be produced anywhere else. The production area is determined and content of indigenous varieties in pressed oil combinations is prescribed. Slovenian oil producers’ associations demand high rankings for organoleptic properties.

Other interesting cold pressed vegetable oils are also produced in Slovenia

Oils from hemp seed, walnut and other ingredients have health-protecting properties.

Some oils, which many consume by the teaspoon for health as independent food supplements, are easily incorporated in dishes due to their distinctive, yet pleasant flavour. To preserve its best qualities, do not heat it. Use it to dress salads, and add it to smoothies, cereal, cold sauces and spreads.