Ptujski lük or Ptuj onion is Slovenian kind of onion and an old name for onion. It has been grown on Ptujsko polje (en. Ptuj field) over 200 years and is of special appearance and taste, which has made it a protected geographical indication, inscribed as Ptuj red (si. Ptujska rdeča). It is a protected Slovenian certified vegetable, protected with a geographical indication. Ptujski lük is unique, as there is no other variety or hybrid in Slovenia that is so similar to Ptujski lük that it can be mistaken with it.
The area of growth of Ptuj onion is historically conditioned and covers the flat part of Ptujsko polje, which extends between rivers Drava and Pesnica, cities Ptuj and Ormož and edges of Slovenske gorice. The climate in this end is just right for growing it, as it has an appropriate rainfall distribution and shallow soil, which is fertile, quickly warmed up and dry. This is the reason that Ptujski lük has sharper taste, by which it is most recognizable.
Ptuski lük is of exceptional quality and has excellent characteristics in the kitchen. It is suitable for fresh use and storing. Onion can also endure a long period in less suitable warehouses. Its taste always helps to create culinary delicacies. Its exceptional sharpness gives the dishes an exceptional taste. Ptujski lük is always cut just before use, as many useful things are activated at that time. The sliced should not stand too long, as this is reflected in the taste. The most useful is fresh, so it is advisable to enjoy it fresh.
Onion has a high value of droughty, vitamins and minerals and has a good effect on health, which is its specialty. Due to its bactericidal effects, it is considered as a natural antibiotic.
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Tradition and culture of lüks
According to ancient legends, this onion was supposed to be brought to our area by Turks and was once a main source of income. Older lüks say that they were able to grow enough lük on a 10-acres for the scholarship or the survival of a small to medium-sized farm. It was mostly sold late in the fall and winter, so it had to be thick, well dried and late germinated. In most cases it was sold for cooking, this is why Ptujski lük was the best choice: it breaks down quickly when cooked, but retains its characteristic taste.
Lüks from Ptujsko polje has preserved the tradition of three years of onion cultivation to this day. As in the past, it is still grown in an environmentally friendly way, integrated or organic, which guarantees the high quality of its fruit. In accordance with the long history of cultivation, they developed and preserved many lük customs, traditional dishes and also the architecture of houses, on which overhangs have been adapted for drying the onion.
How do you identify Ptujski lük with protected geographical indication:
- cardiac – flat shape
- reddish to light red color of external dry scaly leaves
- white meat with a purple-red bloom and a stronger purple edge
- tolerates storage well
- quickly breaks down when cooking
- the most characteristic is its moderately sharp taste
- strong onion scent
Wreaths of Ptujski lük
It is found in the form of traditional wreaths and in smaller packages. Due to the knitting into plaits, Ptujski lük with protected geographical indication has more green leaves, leaves are tougher and do not break when pulling. The latter is very important since they have always stored Ptujski lük by hand.
The use of Ptujski lük:
- to bring down the temperature, at beesting and other insects
- disinfects the oral cavity and the entire digestive tract
- accelerates the digestion and relieves coughing
- has a great effect at various cold conditions
- helps to drain water from the body, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- it is also used for the preparation of wound dressings
- helps to induce appetite, due to its specific taste and odor
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