Oljarna Jeruzalem SAT - innovative approach to pumpkin oil

If you love pumpkin seed oil and are constantly looking for the most natural one - take a trip to Slovenian Styria. Less than two hours by car, without a vignette, just a few kilometers from the former border of Croatia and Slovenia in Međimurje, the Jeruzalem SAT Oil Mill awaits you with a wonderful story about how pumpkin seeds here tell a wonderful story about Styrian pumpkin seed oil, which has had the status of a culinary treasure for decades, the method of production of which has been passed down from generation to generation.

During your visit, you have the opportunity to see the entire process in an interactive tour - from preparing the seeds to the final pressing and bottling. While you hear about the production, you will also hear interesting facts about this oil - for just one liter of this dark green, aromatic oil, as many as 33 pumpkins are needed, or several kilograms of carefully dried seeds.

You will also learn how pumpkin seed oil is considered a valuable food that contains unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, phytosterols and antioxidants that can contribute to heart and blood vessel health and protect cells from oxidative stress. It is also often associated with supporting prostate and urinary tract health, and the high-quality pumpkin seed oil produced here is often called “Prleška Viagra” due to its high zinc content and positive health effects.

A visit to the Jeruzalemska oljiarna is a unique experience that lasts approximately an hour and takes you through the world of pumpkin, pumpkin seeds and premium pumpkin seed oil. Upon arrival in the oil mill yard, you will be greeted by the distinctive smells of freshly roasted seeds and pumpkin seed oil, which create a special atmosphere and arouse curiosity for everything that follows.

Since it is not possible to watch the production process live, the tour begins with a short presentation film that shows the entire journey – from growing pumpkins in the fields, through harvesting and processing the seeds, to obtaining the recognizable dark and aromatic pumpkin oil. In an interesting and accessible way, you will learn about the tradition of oil production, production processes and the special features that make this oil one of the most valued products of the region.

After the introductory part, what many visitors consider the highlight of the visit is followed by a tasting. The program begins with a sip of creamy pumpkin liqueur, and then continues with tasting different types of oil, dried and fried pumpkin seeds, sweet and savory pumpkin spreads, cottage cheese with pumpkin oil, and homemade cakes and pumpkin rolls.

Depending on the selected tasting package, visitors can also taste a traditional Prleč dish – meat from a tünka, top-quality local wines or vanilla ice cream topped with pumpkin oil, a combination that surprises even the most demanding palate. To continue the experience at home, each visitor can find inspiration in the recipe book with ideas for preparing delicious pumpkin dishes and desserts. This tour is the perfect combination of tradition, taste and local gastronomy and provides an unforgettable culinary journey for all generations.

The tradition of the Jeruzalem SAT oil mill and blending plant in Središče ob Dravi dates back to 1919, when the production of pumpkin oil began in this area. The records of the Središče Chronicle testify to its rich history, and the first known producers were members of the Vargazon family. The Središče Oil Mill was founded in 1927, with Helena Vargazon among its founders.

Today, the tradition is continued by the Jeruzalem SAT oil mill and blending plant Središče d.o.o., which operates at the same location and remains faithful to the values ​​of quality, knowledge and dedication. More than a century of experience has enabled the preservation of the traditional method of producing Styrian-Prekmurje pumpkin oil. The oil is produced according to an ancestral recipe, using natural methods and carefully selected pumpkin seeds from the sunniest fields of Prlekija and Prekmurje.

Thanks to its top quality, Styrian-Prekmurje pumpkin seed oil has a protected geographical indication and is considered one of the most valued Slovenian food products. What distinguishes Jeruzalem SAT oil mill from modern industrial plants is its strong connection to tradition. Each bottle of oil is the result of many years of knowledge, manual work and respect for nature.

The production process includes careful drying of the seeds, controlled grinding and light roasting to develop a distinctive aroma. This is followed by high-pressure pressing and natural sedimentation, without accelerating the process and without adding chemicals, which preserves the natural properties and top quality of the oil. A visit to Jeruzalem SAT oil mill is not just a gastronomic stop, but an authentic experience of the region. Located in the heart of an area known for its vineyards, wine cellars and beautiful viewpoints, the oil mill offers a unique story that combines wine, pumpkin seed oil and rich local tradition. If you want to get to know the flavors of Prlekija and Prekmurje, experience the centuries-old tradition of pumpkin seed oil production and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience, Jeruzalem SAT is a place that is definitely worth visiting.

foto: Nikola Zoko