Mureck producer wins Styria’s top pumpkin seed oil award

Hubert Ottenbacher from Oberrakitsch, near Mureck, has won the title of Pumpkin Seed Oil Champion 2026/27. The competition was reported by ORF Steiermark.

A 70-member expert jury chose the winner from the state’s 20 top-ranked oils during a tasting at the vocational school for culinary arts and tourism in Bad Gleichenberg. The event was organised by the Styrian Chamber of Agriculture and the Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil Association.

Ottenbacher and Elke Lachowitz, who farm part-time, said they were surprised by the win. They placed second two years ago. Ottenbacher said their approach was to care for the soil, which they hope to pass on in good condition to the next generation.

Margret Ertl and Thomas Ninaus, from Groß St. Florian, took second place after entering the top 20 for the first time. Bernadette and Christian Grebenz, from Großklein, came third. They said they focus on careful work at every stage, from planting and harvesting to washing, drying, storing and pressing the seeds.

More than 30 leading chefs served as judges, including TV chef and world champion confectioner Eveline Wild. The oils were assessed for colour, texture, smell and taste. Judges looked for a dark green colour with a slight reddish-brown sheen, a thick consistency, a fresh nutty aroma and flavour, and hints of chocolate and bread crust.