Description
The Waldviertler Graumohn PDO is a green poppy from which the seeds are harvested and used.
Production Area
The Waldviertler Graumohn PDO production area includes the forest of the Waldviertel, which is part of the Nieder Österreich confederation. The northern boundary borders with the Czech Republic. The interested districts are those of Zwettl, Gmünd, Waidhofen/Thaya and Krems/ Land, north of the Danube and Melk, in the federal state of Lower Austria.
Production Method
Growing poppies requires great care and a carefully prepared soil. Its greatest enemies are frost and drought. Sowing is done in spring or late autumn. Flowering takes place between early May and late June. The plant reaches its maturity and blooms about three months after germination.
Appearance and Flavour
The seed of the Waldviertler Graumohn PDO is gray, and it is relatively large in comparison to other types of poppy, in fact it is about 1-1,5 mm long and 0,7-1 mm wide with a reticular structured surface. The taste is sweet and aromatic.
History
Waldviertler Graumohn PDO has distant origins. The poppy has in fact been grown in the forest of Waldviertler for centuries. Since the beginning of the Middle Ages, the monks cultivated it in the gardens of the Waldviertel convents and used it for the production of painkillers and medicines to treat insomnia. Its production has continued and has expanded over the centuries. In 1912, 1.200 hectares of land were allotted for its cultivation.
Gastronomy
The Waldviertler Graumohn PDO is kept in a dry and cool place. Traditionally the poppy is used for the production of poppy seed oil and other types of food using poppy seeds. The poppy seeds can be used to flavour many types of bread of Jewish origin and are often used to enhance the filling of apple strudel. They are very good when added to mashed potatoes and other vegetables. Tagliatelle seasoned with poppy seeds are an excellent accompaniment to veal dishes and chicken casserole. They are also delicious when used in cakes, pastries, bread, buns and in fillings for sweets.
Marketing
The product is sold as Waldviertler Graumohn PDO, in the following varieties: Edel-Weiss, with a white flower, and Edel-Rot, with a red flower. It is marketed both in seed form, also biological, as well as oil in 0,25 l and 1 l bottles.
Distinctive Features
The seeds of the Waldviertler Graumohn PDO are similar to those of opium poppy, but do not have any of the narcotic properties of opium and its derivatives.
