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Gartenbau Strillinger Söll GmbH - Söll

The Herb in the Soup - Organic Herbs from Kufsteinerland for All of Austria

Michael Strillinger knows what Jamie Oliver and other top chefs are currently using to enhance their dishes. The demand for his herbs changes according to the trends in Austrian kitchens.

As a supplier of organic potted herbs for Spar Austria, M-Preis, and Riedhart, Michael Strillinger is indirectly always close to the customer, or rather, their cooking pots. The partnership with Spar Austria has existed for 60 years. What his grandfather established after 1945 as a classic vegetable and flower farm in Eiberg evolved into specialized herb cultivation thirty years ago, which remains a rarity even today. Grandson Michael Strillinger experienced this transition from a young age. The focus on herbs was uncharted territory at the time and only superficially covered during Michael's education at horticultural school. "Herbs were specialized knowledge until recently. We had to pay a lot of tuition fees. Especially as an organic farm and with climate change, it's important that we constantly evolve," says the organic herb grower. Ten years after specializing in herbs, the farm transitioned to a purely organic operation.

Strict Quality Control

Together with his family and six to twelve employees, Michael Strillinger works year-round to bring that special touch to Austria's dishes. Even though machines handle the filling of up to 1.7 million herb pots annually, quality control and packaging of the organic herbs require human expertise. "I can't afford for one herb plant in the retail store to look different from another. We have to deliver consistent quality throughout the year," explains Michael Strillinger. Busy periods like Christmas are also important delivery times for the Kufstein-based business.

Specialization and Product Range Expansion

Ten years ago, after taking over the business from his parents, Michael Strillinger reduced the range from 150 varieties to the twelve most common kitchen herbs. From chives to thyme, basil, and tarragon, he supplies what is primarily in demand. Sometimes the assortment changes due to new trends, such as Asian cuisine. Another trend influencing his business is the garden as a second living room, where herbs should also grow and bloom. Continuously developing his business, Michael Strillinger is currently considering responding to the demand for old varieties again. Echinacea, arnica, and other native herbs are being reintroduced into Austrian gardens. "It's important to regularly question my business to meet our customers' needs. Currently, the demand for these old varieties is increasing," says the entrepreneur from Kufsteinerland.

Addressing Climate Change through Networking

Herbs are the most sensitive and therefore the most complicated to cultivate. Climate change exacerbates this situation. Increased sunlight and imported pests have introduced diseases in herbs that did not exist ten years ago. This is why the farm is closed to the public. "We are a food-producing operation, so we can't afford any hygiene gaps," explains Michael Strillinger, ending retail sales and tours.

Why does he choose organic? "Herbs are usually used unwashed. Everything they are fertilized and treated with from seed to bloom ends up directly in the dishes and is often even boiled in them," he explains. However, those who still want to bring home the flavor of Kufsteinerland can find Strillinger's organic herbs in local supermarkets.

Opening Hours

Nursery: Monday to Friday 8:15 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Saturday 8:15 AM - 12:00 PM (Mid-March to End of July) Vegetable Stand: Monday to Saturday 8:15 AM - 12:00 PM (Mid-May to End of October)

The Herb in the Soup - Organic Herbs from Kufsteinerland for All of Austria

Michael Strillinger knows what Jamie Oliver and other top chefs are currently using to enhance their dishes. The demand for his herbs changes according to the trends in Austrian kitchens.

As a supplier of organic potted herbs for Spar Austria, M-Preis, and Riedhart, Michael Strillinger is indirectly always close to the customer, or rather, their cooking pots. The partnership with Spar Austria has existed for 60 years. What his grandfather established after 1945 as a classic vegetable and flower farm in Eiberg evolved into specialized herb cultivation thirty years ago, which remains a rarity even today. Grandson Michael Strillinger experienced this transition from a young age. The focus on herbs was uncharted territory at the time and only superficially covered during Michael's education at horticultural school. "Herbs were specialized knowledge until recently. We had to pay a lot of tuition fees. Especially as an organic farm and with climate change, it's important that we constantly evolve," says the organic herb grower. Ten years after specializing in herbs, the farm transitioned to a purely organic operation.

Strict Quality Control

Together with his family and six to twelve employees, Michael Strillinger works year-round to bring that special touch to Austria's dishes. Even though machines handle the filling of up to 1.7 million herb pots annually, quality control and packaging of the organic herbs require human expertise. "I can't afford for one herb plant in the retail store to look different from another. We have to deliver consistent quality throughout the year," explains Michael Strillinger. Busy periods like Christmas are also important delivery times for the Kufstein-based business.

Specialization and Product Range Expansion

Ten years ago, after taking over the business from his parents, Michael Strillinger reduced the range from 150 varieties to the twelve most common kitchen herbs. From chives to thyme, basil, and tarragon, he supplies what is primarily in demand. Sometimes the assortment changes due to new trends, such as Asian cuisine. Another trend influencing his business is the garden as a second living room, where herbs should also grow and bloom. Continuously developing his business, Michael Strillinger is currently considering responding to the demand for old varieties again. Echinacea, arnica, and other native herbs are being reintroduced into Austrian gardens. "It's important to regularly question my business to meet our customers' needs. Currently, the demand for these old varieties is increasing," says the entrepreneur from Kufsteinerland.

Addressing Climate Change through Networking

Herbs are the most sensitive and therefore the most complicated to cultivate. Climate change exacerbates this situation. Increased sunlight and imported pests have introduced diseases in herbs that did not exist ten years ago. This is why the farm is closed to the public. "We are a food-producing operation, so we can't afford any hygiene gaps," explains Michael Strillinger, ending retail sales and tours.

Why does he choose organic? "Herbs are usually used unwashed. Everything they are fertilized and treated with from seed to bloom ends up directly in the dishes and is often even boiled in them," he explains. However, those who still want to bring home the flavor of Kufsteinerland can find Strillinger's organic herbs in local supermarkets.

Opening Hours

Nursery: Monday to Friday 8:15 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Saturday 8:15 AM - 12:00 PM (Mid-March to End of July) Vegetable Stand: Monday to Saturday 8:15 AM - 12:00 PM (Mid-May to End of October)

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