Description
The Steirischer Kren PGI is a plant of the family Cruciferae, Amoracia rusticana, and means "Styrian horseradish". The cultivated horseradish are used and in some cases also the slender lateral roots.
Production Area
The production area of Steirischer Kren PGI is in various districts of southern part of the Styria federal state. It covers an area of 300 hectares.
Production Method
In spring, the selected lateral roots called root cuttings are planted in the prepared field, 10 to 15 cm apart. To prevent the formation of multiple head-roots, from June onwards the rootcutting heads are exposed and all lateral shoots broken off to leave only the strongest shoot. Later on, the roots are again exposed and the lateral shoots and roots broken or cut off. Harvesting is done using an uprooter, which involves digging up the horseradish roots and depositing them on the surface. The harvested horseradish roots are cleaned and, for marketing fresh, usually wrapped in foil or sometimes cut into pieces. When stored, the horseradish roots are not cleaned, and kept at a temperature of -2°C. Processing takes place using both the main horseradish roots and the thinner lateral roots; the roots are cleaned, washed and sorted manually. The horseradish roots are then freshly grated and enriched using additives which improve consistency and preservability (vinegar, oil, citric acid, sulphur). Finally, it is packaged.
Appearance and Flavour
Unprocessed Steirischer Kren PGI has even main roots with only slightly bent heads and a small number of fine roots, a length of 25-30 cm, and a diameter of about 3 cm. It has a pungent, fiery taste. The processed Steirischer Kren PGI is grated and has a pungent and fiery taste and aroma almost like the freshly grated one. Sometimes it has a creamy consistency.
History
The origins and good reputation of Steirischer Kren PGI have been well known for as long as approximately 140 years. Farm cultivation of horseradish in Styria developed from 1940 onward, afterwards, from 1967, contractual cultivation has been organised by the Styrian Vegetable Growers' Association being instrumental in developing Steirischer Kren PGI for export also. Now annual production is about 3.000-4.000 tons.
Gastronomy
The Steirischer Kren PGI must be kept in the refrigerator. It is used as a condiment to season appetizers and salads or as an ingredient in an infinite variety of dishes. The fresh type is best served quickly to keep its aroma intact. It goes well with meat, potatoes, smoked salmon and vegetables, and can be combined with other products like horseradish apple.
Marketing
The product is sold as unprocessed Steirischer Kren PGI and processed Steirischer Kren PGI. The unprocessed Steirischer Kren PGI is marketed whole or cut into pieces, in suitable packages. The processed (grated) Steirischer Kren PGI is sold in jars, tubes or tubs, all previously sterilized.
Distinctive Features
The climate of this area is characterized by high air humidity, high precipitations. The soils have a high proportion of clay and good drainage, offering ideal conditions for the growing of this product. All these characteristics together with the careful selection of the roots, make Steirischer Kren PGI a product with an excellent taste and characteristic appearance which allow rapid recognition for the experts.
